§ 28. Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that, in consequence of the Regulations issued by him to prevent noise by motor cyclists, prosecutions are being instituted in cases where it has been shown that the machines were fitted with the most up-to-date silencers and that these prosecutions have failed; and whether he will amend his instructions in order to prevent prosecutions in cases where machines are fitted with such silencers?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe Regulation designed to prohibit the use of noisy exhausts on motor vehicles was issued in 1912 and, in my opinion, is not an unreasonable one. The question of the enforcement of the law is a matter for the police. I cannot see my way to amend the Regulation on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large batch of prosecutions have recently been taken in the Midlands and all withdrawn owing to the fact that the machines are fitted with these up-to-date silencers?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe Regulations require—I think they are quite reasonable—that the silencer should be suitable and sufficient for reducing, as far as may be reasonable and practicable, the noise which would otherwise be caused by the escape of the said gases, and in my opinion the noise from these machines has increased, is increasing, and ought to be diminished.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some cycle manufacturers have offered a reward of £10,000 to anyone who can submit to them a silencer which will be fully effective? Does it not seem very hard on motor manufacturers that they should have to close down some of their works, as they will do?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, but my hon. Friend must realise that it is much harder on people who are kept awake at night.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great deal of this noise making is deliberate on the part of people who think it is rather a fine thing to make it?