§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that on Friday last a baker's shop and cottage in the village of Kennford, near Exeter, was destroyed by fire caused by sparks flying from a road locomotive; whether he is aware that during 1926 two other cottages in the same village were damaged through the same cause; and whether he will take steps to prevent the transit of locomotives unless provided with chimney screens for the prevention of such occurrences in future?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAccidents caused by motor vehicles are not systematically reported to me, but I am, of course, aware that sparks emitted from road locomotives in some cases constitute a danger to property adjoining the roads. As regards the last part of the question, I have no powers at present to make Regulations prescribing the use of spark arresters or other similar contrivances in road locomotives, but if the hon. Member will refer to Clause 23 of the draft Road Traffic Bill he will see that such powers are included.