§ 64. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Minister of Transport if he has been approached by any delegation, as representing the Corporation of Glasgow, regarding the problem of motor traffic within that city, and particularly with reference to the growth of the motor omnibus plying for passengers; and if he will state whether he is yet in a position to make any statement as to what action, if any, he intends taking in view of the ever-increasing number of accidents now taking place?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I do not see in what manner I can take effective action pending the amendment of the existing laws relating to the licensing of public service vehicles. As the hon. Member is aware, I hope to 1355 introduce, so soon as Parliamentary time is available, a Bill for the better regulation and control of road vehicles. This Bill will deal largely with the licensing of public service vehicles.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the Minister consider the question of introducing the Bill before we adjourn, in order to allow local authorities and others interested time to study it during the Parliamentary Recess?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe hon. Member must be aware that the time of the House is fully mortgaged up to the 17th December. If the hon. Member cares to to come to see me on the subject, I shall be pleased to consult with him.
§ Mr. BUCHANANMay I remind the right hon. Gentleman of the practice followed by the Home Secretary and other Ministers of introducing a Bill to give it a First Reading, and then afford local authorities an opportunity to study it. That does not take up any Parliamentary time.
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe hon. Member is assuming that all the details of the Bill have already been settled, and they have not.
§ Captain BRASSMay I ask whether the question of the abolition of the speed limit has been considered in connection with the Bill?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAll relevant considerations have been taken into account.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Glasgow Corporation run tramway cars, and that their tramway manager has refused to take back a number of men who have damaged tramcars—
§ Mr. BUCHANANOn a point of Order. The hon. and learned Member for Argyllshire (Mr. Macquisten) has made a statement reflecting on certain constituents of mine. He has stated in a supplementary question that the tramway manager has refused to take back certain people who had damaged tram cars. I want to say that is an unfair reflection on certain people, and it is not true.