30. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Transport if, in order to make the task of the courts simpler in establishing the emission of excessive diesel engine smoke, he will amend the Motor Vehicle Construction and Use Regulations, 1957, No. 359, by adding a reference to annoyance or inconvenience in Clause 79 of such Regulations.
§ Mr. MarplesI will certainly have this suggestion examined.
Mr. Gresham CookeWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he will bear in mind that there is a lot of public concern about the excessive emission of diesel smoke? Is he aware that the police state that prosecution is made almost impossible by the fact that they have to prove danger, injury or damage? The suggestion that I have made would make it much easier for the police to prosecute in each case.
§ Mr. MarplesI certainly agree that diesel fumes are obnoxious and a nuisance, and I am going into the question carefully, because I have suffered from them personally, as well as in my capacity as Minister of Transport.
§ Mr. SnowIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in answer to a Question that I recently put to the Home Secretary, the right hon. Gentleman stated that he had no record or information about prosecutions by the police in cases of the excessive emission of diesel fumes? Is not this a matter for consideration between the two Departments concerned?
§ Mr. MarplesI will consult my right hon. Friend.