§ 35. Mr. JOHN WALLACEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the circumstances under which a boy, J. Anderson Walker, was killed on the Barnet by-pass road, on 20th April, in a collision between two motor lorries; and whether proceedings will be instituted for dangerous driving against the driver responsible?
§ Sir J. GILMOURYes, Sir. After full inquiry and careful consideration of all the circumstances, the Commissioner of Police has come to the conclusion that the evidence is not such as to justify proceedings for dangerous or careless driving.
§ Mr. WALLACEIn view of the intense indignation in this case, does not my right hon. Friend think that he would be justified in taking into account the question of circumstantial evidence, which is regarded as significant in cases of a much more serious character?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI think that my hon. Friend is aware that proceedings have been instituted against both the driver of the van and the owner for permitting the use of the vehicle in a dangerous condition. The summonses are to be heard next week, and my hon. Friend will appreciate that it is not possible for me to make comment on the case.
§ Mr. WALLACEIs not my right hon. Friend aware that the proceedings are to be taken on a purely technical offence and not on the question of dangerous driving, which is the serious matter in this particular case?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAll that I can say is that this matter has been considered by those whose duty it is to consider such matters, and I can add nothing to the answer that I have given.