§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that under the Royal Automobile Club's free legal defence scheme summonses have been defended for dangerous driving 24.3 per cent., speed limit 23.8 per cent., obstruction 16.4 per cent., and defective lighting 14.6 per cent.; and whether, in view of these figures and in order to diminish fatal and other accidents, he will consider the desirability of making legislative provision for the substitution of imprisonment in place of the imposition of fines?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have no reason to think that the penalties at present provided by law for offences of this character are inadequate. Proceedings involving the penalty of imprisonment can always be taken if criminal negligence on the part of a motorist causes injury or death.