HC Deb 12 July 1927 vol 208 cc1930-1
36. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the regulation under which threshing sets should carry three men causes expense and inconvenience; and whether he will issue an order reducing the number of men they have to carry before the autumn?

Colonel ASHLEY

The number of men who have to accompany threshing sets is governed by Statute and I have no power to alter it by Regulation. The House will have an opportunity of considering the matter afresh when the Road Traffic Bill is introduced.

Sir BASIL PETO

As the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has made a similar reply many times during the last three years to questions on this simple matter, can he give the House any indication when we are likely to have this legislation?

Colonel ASHLEY

I can only say, as I said in reply to the hon. Member for Southwark (Colonel Day), that my hon. Friend knows as well as I do the congested state of public business.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Is there any chance of anything being done in this matter before next autumn?

Colonel ASHLEY

The hon. and gallant Gentleman knows that there is not much more than a fortnight of Parliamentary time before the Autumn.

Mr. R. MORRISON

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that 90 per cent. of the answers given to these questions have been that we should wait until the Bill is introduced, and can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not give some indication now as to whether this question is likely to be dealt with during the Autumn Session?

Colonel ASHLEY

I think that question should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

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