§ 25. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many United States Air Force personnel have been prosecuted in Ayrshire during the last two years; and what were the offences and the penalties.
§ Sir T. MooreOn a point of order. Before this Question is answered, would you, Mr. Speaker, say whether it is in order, seeing that it is obviously designed and intended to throw some reflection on our allies—[Hon. Members: "No."]—and welcome guests?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt is a purely statistical Question.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe answer to the Question is: Twelve members of the United States Air Force were prosecuted in the Ayrshire courts during the period referred to. Of 10 charged with road traffic offences, one was found not guilty and the others were fined amounts varying from 10s. to £10. One man charged with theft was discharged absolutely, and one man was convicted of an offence under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1885, and sentenced to six months' imprisonment.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Secretary of State aware that my sole purpose in asking this Question is to protect my constituents and those of the hon. Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore)? Is he aware that there is considerable anxiety in Ayr and neighbourhood about the large number of road accidents caused by the queer ideas the Americans have of the speed limit? Does he not think something should be done to bring to the attention of the American authorities the need for protecting the civil population of Ayr?
§ Mr. StuartI think the fact that nine of them were fined shows that something is being done.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWould my right hon. Friend not agree that the best thing would be to compare these figures. with similar British figures so that we 1106 could then have some idea of the proportion, instead of singling out these figures?