HC Deb 23 June 1952 vol 502 cc1835-6
33. Mr. Poole

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that certain London omnibuses build up considerable electrical power in their bodies and that passengers taking hold of the hand-rail can receive a considerable electric shock; and whether, in the interests of public safety, he will revise his regulations so as to preclude the certificate of fitness remaining in force in respect of such omnibuses, until the necessary modifications have been made.

Mr. Braithwaite

Motor vehicles generally are liable to build up charges of static electricity and a shock may result. London Transport have taken all possible steps to eliminate the possibility of such shocks and complaints from the public have practically ceased. The shocks are not dangerous and my right hon. Friend sees no ground for any action on his part.

Mr. Poole

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the intensity of the shock is dependent to a large extent upon the frequency with which the vehicle has been picking up passengers, and that if the vehicle has not picked up passengers for some time a passenger boarding the bus receives a very considerable shock from earthing the static charge on the handrail? Is he aware that I received a shock recently, that on that bus there were four other passengers who were complaining, and that I believe that the shock which I received might have had very serious consequences to an elderly woman with a bad heart? I feel that the matter ought to be looked into further.

Mr. Braithwaite

I am sure that the House will regret the hon. Member's unhappy experience, an account of which I will convey to the London Transport Executive.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Will my hon. Friend assure us that he will not re-introduce a regulation which, at one time, required a motor vehicle to carry a trailing chain?