HC Deb 24 November 1972 vol 846 cc506-7W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will call for reports from chief constables and publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the number of persons who were stopped by the police for speeding on the M1 for the longest and most convenient stated period of time up to and including Saturday 11th November 1972; and what action was taken in each instance.

Mr. Carlisle

No.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will call for a report from the chief constable of Thames Valley as to whether he accepted the practice of the police to warn motorists stopped for speeding that a prosecution may follow, and that notices of such intended prosecution are automatically served either at the time of stopping of the driver, or by a recorded delivery letter within a stated period of time; and whether this was done on Saturday, 11th November, 1972 in the case of which details are in his possession.

Mr. Carlisle

These matters are governed by Section 179 of the Road Traffic Act, 1972. Enforcement in particular cases is a matter for chief officers of police.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will cause an investigation to be made into all aspects of an alleged speeding offence on Saturday, 11th November, details of which have been supplied to him, to ascertain to what extent prior to a notice of prosecution and actual trial full details were divulged to the Press.

Mr. Carlisle

I have asked the chief constable for a report, and shall write to the hon. Member.