HC Deb 15 April 1943 vol 388 cc1370-1
30. Earl Winterton

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that persons are still being convicted and fined for riding bicycles without lights, even where evidence has been called to show that batteries are unobtainable in the particular neighbourhood; and whether he will now consider what action can be taken to meet this situation?

Mr. H. Morrison

No, Sir. I have been informed that as a result of the operation of double summer time, together with the increased production of cycle lamp batteries, the recent difficulties have been overcome; but if my Noble Friend will send particulars of the cases he has in mind to me or to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, the matter will be further investigated.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Has the time not come to stop arresting people for trivial offences, and to catch a few burglars?

Earl Winterton

Do I understand from the answer that my right hon. Friend will look into cases which have already occurred; and that where men have been fined and where it has been proved that they could not obtain batteries in the neighbourhood, he will have the fine remitted? Will he look into the matter?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir, I will look into the matter, but it would not be wise for me to give any general undertaking such as my right hon. Friend asks for. I did indicate to the police that they should take into account the circumstances of the case before prosecutions are made. But I think my right hon. Friend will agree that it is rather dangerous for the Home Secretary to interfere unduly with the operation of the law.

Mr. Driberg

Without interfering with magistrates, could the right hon. Gentleman not circulate a general memorandum on the difficulties of this situation?

Mr. Morrison

The hon. Member is asking that I shall issue a general circular advising that the law shall not be enforced. That is, constitutionally, a difficult thing for me to do.