HC Deb 15 July 1924 vol 176 cc201-2
40. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Government have decided to introduce a Bill giving power to the Minister of Transport and certain local authorities to plant trees by the roadside; whether any other matters of an uncontroversial character will be included in this Bill; and, if a Bill is to be brought in, will he endeavour to pass the Bill through all its stages before the summer recess, in view of the approach of the tree-planting season?

Mr. GOSLING

I am to-day introducing a Bill conferring powers on the Minister of Transport, and on all highway authorities, to plant trees and shrubs by the roadside. I hope that the right hon. and gallant Member who has always so forcibly advocated this improvement to roads will find the proposals satisfactory. The Bill will also include Clauses enabling the Minister to conduct experiments in connection with road and bridge construction, to make inquiries into road accidents, and to assist local authorities in the erection of direction posts and warning signs and in the abolition of tolls on roads and bridges. I hope that the matters covered by the Bill will be regarded as uncontroversial, and that I may have the assistance of the House in passing it into law during the present Session.

Lieut.-Colonel JAMES

Will the authorities at Kew or some similar place be consulted in regard to what are suitable trees for planting?

Mr. GOSLING

I regard that as a very important suggestion.

Sir C. YATE

And the hon. Gentleman will not forget the apple trees?

Major WHELER

In reference to the question of tolls on bridges, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are bridges in Kent on which a toll of 1s. 6d. has to be paid every time a motor car goes over them, and that tolls are levied on every vehicle and foot passenger, and will he take steps to see that there is power in the Bill to deal with these cases?

Mr. SPEAKER

That cannot be debated until the Bill is brought forward.