§ 24. Mr. REMERasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give consideration to places where the signs indicating the 30-miles speed limit are placed in unreasonable situations; and whether, after due consideration, he will make representations to the local authorities upon this matter and, if necessary, give instructions where these speed limits are to be imposed?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am using all my influence to secure uniformity and to meet the convenience of all users of the road in this matter, and I have already asked a number of local authorities to consider the de-restriction of roads on which a speed limit does not appear to me to be required. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that I have no authority to impose my will upon local authorities except after the holding of a local inquiry.
30. Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the case where a Mr. Ellerd-Styles, on 20th March, was overtaking a police car travelling at, approximately, 24 miles per hour, when the police car accelerated to 30 miles per hour, thus creating a dangerous situation; and will he instruct the traffic police that they will be liable to prosecution if they pursue this method of driving?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)My attention has been drawn to a complaint which appeared in the Press, but I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that it has not been possible to trace the incident referred to. I should agree, of course, that the action described would be indefensible as a means of enforcing the speed limit and contrary to the Highway Code. If particulars can be given, further inquiries will be made.
Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLENIf I give my right hon. Friend the number of the police car will he make further inquiries?
§ Sir J. GILMOURCertainly.