§ Captain AINSWORTHasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, in view of the increasing number of motor accidents, he has taken steps to ensure that his Department is supplied with full information on each of them from a mechanical standpoint; and what steps are taken by his Department to ensure proper and adequate tests of the reliability of steering gear?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe divisional road engineers of my Department make inquiries into all the more serious road accidents in their respective areas. In their reports they draw attention to any mechanical defects in the vehicle, or unsatisfactory road conditions, which may734W have been contributory to the accident, and action is taken on their reports whenever possible. I have no powers to impose tests of road vehicles, either as regards steering gear or any other structural feature. I should add, however, that many licensing authorities hold periodical tests of the public passenger-carrying vehicles licensed in their areas. The question of the desirability of increasing the stringency of these tests is at present under consideration by the Departmental Committee on Hackney Vehicles.
§ Mr. HURDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether there has been any increase in casualties arising from the abolition of the motor speed limit; and, if so, whether he will give details?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe maximum speed limit of 20 miles per hour has not been abolished, nor has there been any alteration, save in one exceptional instance, in any of the maximum permissible speeds for various types of motor vehicles since 1904.