§ 23. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that steam wagons create a nuisance from the point of view of other authorities as well as being a danger to traffic through injury to eyes and obscuring the view with smoke; and whether he will call a conference with a view to mitigating a growing evil in the Metropolitan area?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)I have been asked to answer this question. I agree that in some cases steam and smoke emitted by steam wagons and locomotives constitute both a nuisance and a danger to traffic. I hardly think that a conference would be the most effective way of dealing with the question, but, in so far as it is a matter for the police, I am consulting with my right hon. friend the Home Secretary. The existing law on the subject is not altogether adequate, and I hope to deal with this aspect of the question in the proposed Bill for the better regulation of road traffic.
§ Mr. SULLIVANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the law at present gives the police no right to take any action in this matter?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAs I have indicated, a matter which deals with police action is one for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. SULLIVANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have complained to the police and they have said that they have not the power?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf the hon. Gentleman had noticed the last sentence in my answer, he would have heard that I said:
The existing law on the subject is not altogether adequate, and I hope to deal with this aspect of the question in the proposed Bill far the better regulation of road traffic.
§ Sir BASIL PETOCan my right hon. Friend say when this proposed Bill is likely to come before the House?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThere is a question dealing with that subject later.