HC Deb 22 March 1922 vol 152 c476
81. Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. HOPE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, in the event of the Edinburgh Town Council deciding to erect span wires for electric tramcars in Princess Street, he would consider the proposed inquiry by his Department unnecessary?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)

As I stated on Monday, in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for the Kincardine and Western Division, the consent and approval of the Minister of Transport to the use of any system of mechanical power on the tramways is a statutory requirement. Having regard to the acute local differences of opinion, I think the inquiry should proceed in any event.

Sir J. HOPE

Has the Ministry of Transport power to interfere with the erection of centre poles?

Sir H. CRAIK

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the objection is considerably greater?

Mr. NEAL

The whole matter, I think, should be inquired into.