HC Deb 08 November 1928 vol 222 cc194-6
10. Mr. ERSKINE

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is taking steps to mitigate the nuisance of unnecessary street noises in London and other large cities; and, if so, can he state the nature of his proposals?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

I have been asked to answer this question. I have convened a conference of all interests concerned to advise me what steps they consider could best be taken to mitigate unnecessary noise made by mechanically propelled vehicles. I hope to be in possession of their views at an early date, but meanwhile I am unable to make any statement on the subject.

Mr. ERSKINE

May I point out that the question does not refer only to mechanically propelled vehicles, but to all street noises. Has that been considered?

Colonel ASHLEY

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down another question?

Mr. ERSKINE

The question is quite clear.

Mr. W. THORNE

Will this inquiry refer only to what are called chief roads or will it refer to by-roads as well?

Colonel ASHLEY

Naturally the investigation includes all roads and not only the chief roads.

Mr. R. MORRISON

Is it a conference of local authorities?

Colonel ASHLEY

Of local authorities and others.

Lieut. Commander KENWORTHY

Will the Minister of Transport communicate with the Home Secretary, in reference to the existing law against certain noises, such as those produced by noisy bicycles?

Colonel ASHLEY

The Home Secretary is perfectly well able to carry out his duties.

21. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the noise of motor-cycles without adequate silencers has in no way abated throughout the country; whether he can issue more stringent instructions to the police to deal with this great public nuisance; and, if the engines of motor-cycles do not conform to the police regulations respecting silencers, will proceedings be taken against the owners?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)

I hope the action which has been taken has not been wholly without effect. The police will certainly continue to take proceedings and, I may add, the whole question of traffic noise is under consideration by a conference which has been convened by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

Colonel WOODCOCK

What special steps have been taken during the Recess; and has the right hon. Gentleman taken special precautions to see that his own motor-cycle has a silencer?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, we have prosecuted 10,000 cases from 1st January this year, so that the police really are carrying out their duties. The second part of the question hardly arises.

Mr. HARRIS

How far have the manufacturers been brought into conference?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I am in constant conference with the manufacturers of motor-cycles, and am con- stantly pressing them to improve the silencers in their new motor-cycles.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Has the motorcycle with which the right hon. Gentleman was presented a proper silencer?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

That question has already been asked, but to save further trouble, I will say that the whole story is a canard.