New Clause 4 - Causing death or serious injury by negligent driving
Road Safety Bill
11:15 am
Mr Christopher Chope (Shadow Minister, Environment and Transport; Christchurch, Conservative)
He was a Minister. He knows that we operate on the basis of preparing for joined-up government on 6 May. In doing so, I shall certainly consult with our Home Office team about the document. We shall read it and take account of its results. However, we shall not be bounced into an instant response when the Government have deliberately delayed publication for as long as possible in order to prevent the contents from being included in the Bill.
I am disappointed at the way in which the Government have treated the Committee. I am disappointed that the hon. Member for Wellingborough thinks that he has won the day, even though he has not read the small print and seen that the Home Office attitude is exactly the same as it was under the previous Home Secretary—namely, not really thinking it in the public interest to lock up more people who are guilty of road traffic offences. That is the Government's Achilles heel, which is why they have not been prepared to legislate.
Several hon. Members rose—