HC Deb 24 February 1927 vol 202 cc1898-9
23. Commander BELLAIRS

asked 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. SULLIVAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the law at present gives the police no right to take any action in this matter?

Colonel ASHLEY

As I have indicated, a matter which deals with police action is one for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have complained to the police and they have said that they have not the power?

Colonel ASHLEY

If 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 PETO

Can my right hon. Friend say when this proposed Bill is likely to come before the House?

Colonel ASHLEY

There is a question dealing with that subject later.