HC Deb 02 April 1936 vol 310 cc2109-10
26. Mr. DAY

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the number of accidents in which the motor-patrol police service of the Metropolis have been concerned, some of which have had fatal results, he is satisfied with the way that drivers are trained for this service; and is any reorganisation contemplated?

Mr. LLOYD

During 1935, 413 vehicles driven by Metropolitan police on patrolling duties of all kinds ran nearly 13 million miles with only 19 accidents involving serious personal injury, including two fatalities. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that everything possible is being done to raise the standard of driving in the Metropolitan police to the highest possible level. A driving school has been opened at Hendon and every police driver will eventually take a course of instruction there, but as the school has only been in operation for 13 months, a number of drivers still await instruction.

Mr. DAY

Could the hon. Gentleman say how long the police drivers getting this instruction have to attend the driving school?

Mr. LLOYD

Not without notice.

Mr. DAY

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the police drivers have sufficient experience before being put on the road?

Captain STRICKLAND

In how many cases in which accidents have occurred have proceedings been taken against the police?

Mr. LLOYD

I could not say without notice.

34. Captain STRICKLAND

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of a road offence at Watling Street, Grendon, on 11th February, in which a police car travelling at 40 miles per hour over a blind bridge was involved; and whether police court proceedings have been, or are to be, instituted against the officer concerned on the charge of driving to the public danger?

Mr. LLOYD

My right hon. Friend is calling for a report, and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.