§ MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)I beg to ask the Secretary of the Local Government Board if, in view of the fact that under the Statutory Rules and Orders, 1904, No. 1809, heavy motor-cars weighing up to twelve tons are permitted to be driven at a speed of twelve miles an hour, the Government will pay compensation to the local authorities for damage that may be done to the roads, bridges, and sewers, gas and water mains by such heavy motors; and if he will lay the said Rules and Orders on the Table, and give the House an opportunity of expressing its opinion thereon before bringing them into force.
THE SECRETARY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. GRANT LAWSON, Yorkshire, N.R., Thirsk)The provisions in the Order referred to by the hon. Member which permit a maximum speed of twelve miles an hour, in certain circumstances, are in accordance with the recommendations of a Departmental Committee who heard evidence on the
‡ See page 319.603 subject. I am not aware of any sufficient reason for the proposal that the Government should pay compensation to local authorities as suggested in the Question. The Order has, in accordance with the statute, been laid on the Table of the House. I am not in a position to promise any opportunity for discussing its provisions before it comes into operation.