HC Deb 31 July 1935 vol 304 cc2645-7
79. Captain STRICKLAND

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many charges of exceeding the speed limit at Shardlow, on 21st July, have been recorded by the Derbyshire police; and how many of these were made against motor cyclists carrying competition number boards?

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

I am informed by the Chief Contable of Derbyshire that the number of motor cyclists reported for exceeding the speed limit at Shardlow on 21st July last was 24. Some of these cyclists were noticed to be carrying competition cards, but particulars were not recorded by the police.

Captain STRICKLAND

Will the right hno. Gentleman answer the first part of the question—the total number of charges for exceeding the speed limit brought against all classes on that date?

Sir J. SIMON

The information I have is the number of motor cyclists who were reported. As the hon. and gallant Member knows, it does not follow that proceedings will be taken in every case. I do not agree that it is a fact that the cases are limited to those who took part in this competition; the proceedings have no reference to that at all.

Captain STRICKLAND

Did the right hon. Gentleman ask the Chief Constable to supply him with the total number of charges on this particular day? Is he aware that a motor car proceeding between two motor cyclists who were charged with exceeding the speed limit was not proceeded against?

Sir J. SIMON

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is under a slight misapprehension. This was on 21st July, and it would be very soon to know how many charges there were. A number of people were warned and details have been collected, but I do not think that a decision as to proceedings has yet been taken in every case. Each individual will have every opportunity of explaining.

80. Captain STRICKLAND

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of any complaints made against the motor cyclist competitors in the A.C.U. rally at Donnington, on 21st July, for exceeding the speed limit other than those made by the Derbyshire Constabulary, and that, according to the regulations of the A.C.U. competition, any competitor who exceeded 30 miles per hour through a restricted area, for which purpose official checkers were appointed, was disqualified?

Sir J. SIMON

I understand that the rally in question was open to competitors from all over the country, and without obtaining a special return from all police forces—which would involve an unjustifiable expenditure of time and money—I am not in a position to answer the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I have no first-hand information as to the regulations which governed the competition.