HC Deb 08 November 1933 vol 281 cc167-9
5. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any

cannot the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of imposing a test before the granting of a licence, and also of increasing the penalties, where reckless and dangerous driving has been proved

Mr. HACKING

While having every sympathy with the points raised in the supplementary question, I think that it will perhaps be desirable to wait for the analysis of the causes of the accidents before we make any move. I think that it would help us very much, and may result in action, possibly in the direction desired by the hon. Member.

Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

The right hon. Gentleman asks us to wait, when day after day 20 valuable lives are being lost on the roads. Has not the time come when we can wait no longer?

Mr. HACKING

Surely it is very much better to wait a very short time to do the right thing rather than to make a mistake and do the wrong thing for want of the necessary information.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

This loss of life has been going on for two or three years, and the Government and the Department concerned have had it drawn to their notice time after time in this House.

Mr. VYVYAN ADAMS

As the causes of these accidents are perfectly controllable, cannot the right hon. Gentleman, for certain specified populous areas, reimpose a speed limit?

Following is the in formation:

licences have been issued to allow the export of aeroplanes or aeroplane parts to Germany during the past six months; and, if so, will be state the nature of the machines or parts exported?

Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

No, Sir. No licence is required to export aeroplanes or aeroplane parts from this country to Germany.

Mr. DAVIES

Has the hon. and gallant Member any information, in spite of the Tact that no licences are required, as to exports of aeroplanes or parts of aeroplanes to Germany within the last few months?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

No, Sir, I cannot add to my reply—that no licences are required for aeroplane parts. No licence has been given for aeroplane armament for Germany.