HC Deb 22 May 1952 vol 501 cc661-2
36. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions have been given to the Metropolitan Police about cars showing the badge of the House of Commons Motoring Club.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Police are informed by notices displayed at stations in and around Westminster that the badge is designed to assist them to recognise Members' vehicles and to facilitate their passage to and from the House in accordance with the Sessional Order, but that it does not confer any special privileges on members of the club or immunity from compliance with the ordinary law.

Mr. Jeger

Is it not correct that one of the conditions attached to the obtaining of one of these badges is that it should not be displayed on the car if the Member of Parliament does not happen to be in it? Is not the Home Secretary aware that there is an abuse of the courtesy and assistance of the police by cars displaying the House of Commons motor badge being used by ladies who are shopping in the West End of London and obtaining priority in traffic queues because their cars display these badges?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

My responsibilities are manifold, but they do not extend either to interpreting the rules of the Club or controlling ladies who shop in the West End.