§ 48. Mr. FREEMANasked the Minister of Transport whether he can give any information about the proposed regulations with regard to the formation of a new motor-cycle department of the police service under the Road Traffic Act?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONArrangements are in train for the organisation of these units in the various police forces with a view to the better control of road traffic and the proper enforcement of the provisions of the Road Traffic Act. No regulations under the Act are required in connection with these special units.
§ Mr. FREEMANWhen will the part of the Act dealing with this force come into operation?
§ Mr. MORRISONIt will be substantially in operation—perhaps not completely—by the beginning of next year, but the responsibility in that matter, as far as the Government are concerned, rests with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. FREEMANApproximately, how many people will be involved?
§ Mr. MORRISONProbably the number of motor units will he in the neigh bourhood of 1,000 for the whole country.
§ Colonel ASHLEYWill the Road Fund contribute towards the cost?
§ Mr. MORRISONYes, in accordance with the Act, there will be an annual contribution, not towards the police fund as such, but towards the motor vehicles, out of the Road Fund.
§ Mr. MILLSWill this force be recruited from the existing police force or will there be any special enlistment?
§ Mr. MORRISONI think that that is a matter for the local authorities, but I understand that, in the main, they will be recruited from the existing force.
§ Mr. MORRISONI should assume so, but that is a question for the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. HALL-CAINEWill these police on motor cycles be in uniform?
§ Mr. MORRISONI understand that in any case nobody can be stopped upon the road unless by a policeman in uniform. Perhaps the hon. Member will consult the Act to verify that, but I think it is so.