HC Deb 11 July 1935 vol 304 c471
12. Vice-Admiral TAYLOR

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the police are exercising the powers given them for silent control prosecutions in cases where the car has been stopped by them; and whether he can take any action to prevent this procedure being continued?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)

The usual and proper practice is, when a motor driver has been stopped by the police who have been checking his speed and have found it to exceed the speed limit, to inform him at the time that his speed has been checked and that he will be reported for the question of proceedings to be considered. I not not think any further action on my part is called for.

Vice-Admiral TAYLOR

I put the question because the police have prosecuted drivers of cars which they have stopped and have not informed the drivers at the time that they were going to prosecute, a proceeding which I am sure is entirely against the whole principle of British justice.

Sir J. SIMON

Without accepting the definite statement of the hon. and gallant Gentleman, I have stated what I think is the usual and proper practice, and I have every reason to believe that it is generally observed.