HC Deb 15 May 1930 vol 238 cc2032-3
33. Sir GEORGE PENNY

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the accident at Brooklands last week, the authorities are satisfied that the safety of the public and the drivers is sufficiently protected; and whether he intends to call for a report with a view to strengthening the safety regulations either by way of imposing a speed limit for the track or by keeping spectators farther from the track?

Mr. CLYNES

I have seen a Press report of the proceedings at the inquest. The track at Brooklands is private ground, and there is no Statute which either requires or empowers any public authority to make regulations with regard to its use or to impose a speed limit. I observe that the coroner's jury added a rider to their verdict, in which they suggested to the club that the rules with regard to racing should be more strictly supervised, and I have no doubt that the authorities of the club will give careful consideration to this representation.

Sir G. PENNY

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the general public who attend these displays will be protected, because I feel sure that the authorities at Brooklands will themselves do all that they possibly can to prevent a recurrence of accidents?

Mr. CLYNES

As regards speed, which may be the element of danger, no Department or local authority has power.

Sir G. PENNY

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the authorities to see that the public are put far enough away to prevent accidents happening?

Mr. CLYNES

I have no doubt that the publicity which will arise from this answer will cause due action to be taken.