HC Deb 01 May 1969 vol 782 c1607
35. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, after the hon. Member for West Ham, North, had reported to Scotland Yard on Friday, 25th April that a vehicle 913 XPU had been dangerously and illegally parked in Woodstock Road, N.14, and had become derelict, by Monday, 28th April no action had been taken.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

I understand that the prescribed procedure for removal by the local authority concerned was set in motion on 22nd April and completed on the day the hon. Member tabled his Question.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that to my knowledge this vehicle was left at this place for 10 days, which made it particularly dangerous to children? Would not the police have been better employed in giving attention to this matter earlier and taking action, rather than in spending time giving tickets to people who pause for a few minutes while they pay money into their bank? They give tickets for those sorts of things, but take no action for weeks in matters such as the one set out in my Question.

Mr. Morgan

Although it is true that the police have power to remove abandoned vehicles, they normally do so only if the vehicle is left on a road where it is likely to cause danger or obstruction. The vehicle in question was left close to the pavement in a quiet side street with no parking restrictions.

Mr. Lewis

On a point of order. In view of the fact that the Minister has been given wrong information, I beg to ask leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Speaker

The notice must be given in the conventional way.