§ 3. Sir R. THOMASasked the Home Secretary the number of motorists who 1688 have been prosecuted for causing undue noise since 1st January; and how many of these were motor-cyclists?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIn the Metropolitan Police District from 1st January to 31st March last there were 3,651 prosecutions, all except two being for silencer offences; separate records are not kept in respect of motor cycles. Figures for England and Wales generally for that period are not yet available.
§ Sir R. THOMASHas anything transpired out of the consultations which the right hon. Gentleman has had with his right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport about street noises?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThere have been conferences, but I am bound to admit that in many cases there are very grave difficulties. I can deal with the noisy motor car—there are laws to that effect—but it is most difficult to deal with the ordinary traffic without causing great inconvenience to His Majesty's subjects who have a right to travel on the roads.
§ Sir R. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement to the House on this important subject before he runs the risk of losing his office?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think it is better not to make a statement until I am in a position to carry it out in my Department.