HC Deb 14 May 1970 vol 801 cc315-6W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Metropolitan Police have taken no action on the reports they have received in recent years of commercial vans being illegally parked on yellow banned areas every weekday in Beauchamp Road, Leather Lane and the various other roads at right angles to Leather Lane.

Mr. Elystan Morgan:

The police do what can reasonably he done, having regard to their other commitments, to enforce the parking laws in the area.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Metropolitan Police have failed to take action during the past two years when asked to do so concerning an unlicensed red Commer van, registration No. 838EUV, parked every day between 12 noon and 2 p.m. on the yellow banned area corner of Beauchamp Road and Leather Lane, Holborn.

Mr. Elystan Morgan:

The Commissioner of Police informs me that there is no record of such a request; but, if my hon. Friend will let me have particulars, I will ask the Commissioner to make further inquiries.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority the Metropolitan Police refrain from taking law enforcement action when asked to do so by a private citizen; and whether he will ensure that action is taken when a member of the public asks a police officer to report a vehicle or its owner for failing to have and exhibit a road fund licence or failing to have a certificate of road worthiness or a road vehicle insurance policy.

Mr. Elystan Morgan:

Responsibility for enforcing the law lies with the Commissioner of Police, and my right hon. Friend has no authority to issue directions in the matter.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, in view of the fact that the Austin A40 that stood outside 44 Earlham Grove, Forest Gate, London, E.7, since August, 1969 was unlicensed since September, 1969, the Metropolitan Police without exercising their powers of removal did not take action on the licensing offence.

Mr. Elystan Morgan:

The police had reported to the Greater London Council on three occasions in November and December last that the car was apparently unlicensed. It was for the Council to decide what action to take. I understand that they have been in touch with the owner.