HC Deb 15 March 1948 vol 448 cc1702-3
71. Mr. Collins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is still a punishable offence to sound a motor horn after 11 p.m.; and if there were any prosecutions during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1947.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Younger)

It is an offence to sound a motor horn in a "built-up" area between 11.30 p.m. and and 7 a.m. I regret that the figures asked for in the second part of the Question are not available.

Mr. Collins

Can my hon. Friend say whether this is a rule which is now not observed and would he look into the matter to see if this unnecessary regulation can be brought to an end?

Mr. Younger

My right hon. Friend has no evidence that this regulation is different from any other from the point of view of enforcement. I should not be prepared to admit that it is an unnecessary regulation.

Mr. Henry Strauss

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a most admirable regulation and that the hours of the ban might well be extended in the interests of public safety?

Mr. Drayson

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether two hoots are permitted?

Mr. Younger

In reply to the first of those supplementary questions, I think it is an admirable regulation. Of course, it dates from long before the war.