§ 18. Viscount CURZONasked the Minister of Transport when the Reports of General Maybury's two Committees and the Advisory Committee on London traffic will be presented; and whether an opportunity will be given to the House to discuss them before any action is taken?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Sir Eric Geddes)The Departmental Committee appointed to consider and report on lights and road vehicles has now presented a further Interim Report, and the desirability of the publication of both Reports is receiving consideration. I anticipate that the Committee dealing with the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles will be in a position to present its Interim Report within a fortnight. When legislation is required, the answer is in the affirmative. When action by Regulation is possible, I cannot give an undertaking until I have seen the Reports.
§ Mr. GRITTENWhen will the right hon. Gentleman present the two Interim Reports of the Lights Regulation Committee, and will a similar opportunity be afforded to the House of discussing those Reports?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI think the same reply applies to that. If legislation be necessary, we shall have to come here.
§ Mr. GRITTENWhen?
§ Sir E. GEDDESAs soon as the legislation is prepared. Whether it can be done by Regulation I cannot say without seeing the Report.
§ Viscount CURZONIs it the intention to proceed by Regulation or legislation?
§ Sir E. GEDDESLegislation, I think, is necessary.
§ Mr. BILLINGIn the event of Regulations making radical change, will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an 10 opportunity of debating them before he takes any action?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThat depends on the Leader of the House. If Regulations can carry out the recommendations and Parliament authorise the Regulations, we shall proceed by Regulation.