§ 32. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to an accident which happened on 20th May, in which a 14-seater motor-omnibus proceeding from Redcar, Yorkshire, in the direction of Loftus, ran backwards on a steep hill and fell into the river below, causing serious injuries to several of the passengers; and if this accident was caused through the brakes of the motor-omnibus being worn out and failing to act, or if an inquiry is being held?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am aware of the accident referred to by the hon. Member and am obtaining a report on it from one of my officers, but I have no power to hold a formal inquiry into its causes.
The draft Road Traffic Bill which circulated some time ago contains provisions to enable me To hold inquiries in such cases and also contains provisions to secure that motor-omnibuses and charabancs are properly designed and constructed and are adequately maintained.
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects to get this report?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, but directly I receive it I will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLIs there any truth in the suggestion in the last part of the question that the accident was caused through the brakes of the motor-omnibus being worn out, and, if that is so, will my right hon. and gallant Friend take steps to see that accidents do not occur through such negligence?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI stated, if my hon. and gallant Friend had done me the honour of listening to my answer——
§ Colonel ASHLEY——that the provisions of the new Bill will enable me to deal with this matter.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs it not possible for the Minister to obtain powers similar to those which the Board of Trade have in the case of railways?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am asking for similar powers.