§ 55. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEasked the Home Secretary whether he has received complaints as to cases of nervous shock caused by the unnecessary use of strident motor horns; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have been asked to reply. I am aware that unnecessary noise is sometimes made by motor horns. The point has been under consideration in connection with the Draft Road Traffic Bill, but it seems to me more a question of education in the courtesies of the road than a matter for legislation, as it would obviously be extremely difficult to lay down a definite and enforceable standard of noise.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEThe question I asked originally was whether the Home Office have power, through the police, to take action?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is rather a matter of law, but speaking without notice, it seems to me it is rather a matter for the individual who is aggrieved to bring an action against the person who makes the noise.
Mr. BECKETTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the large number of complaints that motorists do not blow their horns or that they do not blow them loud enough?
§ Mr. CRAWFURDIs it not a fact that a few years ago, the cries of news-vendors were suppressed, and this matter is comparable. Surely some action could be taken.
§ Colonel ASHLEYI will go into the matter.
§ Mr. J. HUDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware also that there have been several cases of cyclists who have been proceeded against for making too much noise with their bells, and why cannot motorists be proceeded against?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYis the right hon. Gentleman aware that in France electric horns are forbidden in the large towns but not in the country?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAll these important points can be discussed when the Road Traffic Bill comes before the House.