§ 39. Mr. Benjamin Smithasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a lorry-driver was fined £2 and had his licence endorsed at Deddington, Oxon, Police Court on 26th November, for exceeding the 20-miles-per-hour speed limit, although the police admitted using stop watches which had neither been used nor tested for two years; and whether in view of this and similar cases, he will issue a circular to chief constables, calling attention to the desirability of all police watches being tested from time to time?
§ Sir S. HoareI agree with the hon. Member that it is desirable that stop watches used by the police for the purpose of detecting speed offences should be tested periodically, and I have no reason to doubt that that is the usual practice. I will, however, take an opportunity of reminding chief constables on the matter.
§ Mr. SmithWill the right hon. Gentleman ensure that his wish is carried out by the authorities, and see that the watches are tested at definite times, say, once a quarter?
§ Sir S. HoareNo, Sir. Apart from the Metropolitan Police I exercise no executive authority over the police, but it is customary in matters of this kind for the Home Office to furnish chief constables with advice from time to time. In London the police have their stop watches tested every six months.
§ Mr. SmithWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to tender that advice to the authorities outside the Metropolitan Police area?
§ Sir S. HoareI have already said that I will take an opportunity of reminding chief constables.