§ 50 and 51. Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONESasked the Minister of Transport (1) 547 whether he is aware that on Sunday, 25th November, motor cycle reliability trials were held in the town of Llangollen, and that for several hours there was so much noise resulting from these trials that a religious service could not be proceeded with, and that the peace of the town was generally disturbed; and whether he will consider the desirability of taking steps to prohibit the holding of such motor cycle trials on Sundays in the neighbourhood of places of worship;
(2) whether he is aware that there are complaints in various parts of the country owing to motor cycle reliability tests being held in narrow lanes and roads; and whether he will consider the possibility of taking such action as will confine such reliability tests to specially prepared tracks and not on public highways?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMy attention had not been drawn to the interruption of a religious service at Llangollen, but I am aware that motor cycle reliability trials do from time to time give rise to complaint. I have no power to prohibit them either generally or during particular hours, but participants in them are, of course, liable to proceedings if they contravene the law. I think that promoters of such trials, in their own interests, will be well advised to see that they are conducted in such a manner that they do not inconvenience the public.
§ Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONESIs my hon. Friend aware that in a great part of North Wales these motor reliability trials take place practically every Sunday along these narrow lanes and mountain roads, that they are not only a danger to the persons using those roads but a nuisance to the people in various country districts; and will he get into touch with the local authorities with a view to action being taken under the Road Traffic Act, 1930?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI very much regret to hear the account which my hon. Friend has given of these reliability trials. It would be for the local authorities to get into touch with me, and, if they can suggest to me any suitable action that I can take within my powers, I shall be happy to assist them. Meanwhile, if a nuisance is being committed, the law can be put into operation by a complaint.
§ Sir J. NALLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a good deal of the nuisance 548 would be abated if the silencer regulation were enforced?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, I am aware of that fact. If the "construction and use" regulation were not being obeyed, there would be a suitable case for prosecution in any particular instance.