HL Deb 25 July 1930 vol 78 cc837-8

Clause 21, page 20, line 22, leave out ("twenty-one") and insert ("fourteen")

Clause 21, page 20, line 25, leave out ("twenty-one") and insert ("fourteen.")

Clause 21, page 20, line 40, leave out from ("ascertained") to end of subsection and insert ("in time for a summons to be served or for a notice to be served or sent as aforesaid; or")

EARL RUSSELL

My Lords, these Amendments were agreed to in the interests of motorists because they reduce the time during which they have to be served either with a notice or with a summons from 21 to 14 days. I beg to move that these Amendments be agreed to.

Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said Amendments.—(Earl Russell.)

EARL HOWE

My Lords, before we pass away from this clause there is a question that I should like to ask the noble Earl. When these particular Amendments were being inserted in another place the Minister gave an undertaking that a circular would be issued to the police authorities that when issuing a summons they should specify more particularly the charge against the alleged defendant. The purpose of that, of course, was to enable the defendant to try to obtain some information as to the precise nature of the charge made against him. Could the noble Earl now state what steps have been taken by the Home Office to give effect to that undertaking? Has the circular been printed and, if so, could the Government give your Lordships any indication as to its terms?

EARL RUSSELL

My Lords, I am sorry, but the noble Earl did not give me any notice that he was going to put this question and I am afraid that I cannot give him any satisfaction in regard to it. The matter was discussed in another place and certain assurances were given. It is understood that the summons will specify sufficient to enable the man to identify the time and place of the offence that he is charged with. But what more has been done I am afraid I am not in a position to say.

On Question, Motion agreed to.