HC Deb 28 February 1928 vol 214 cc225-6

Private Notice had been given of the following question by Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD:

To ask the Prime Minister if he can state whether it is the intention of the Government to pass the Road Traffic Bill into law during the life time of the present Parliament and whether he proposes in the near future to institute a full inquiry into the whole question of the need for better regulation and control of transport and of the possibility of its co-ordination?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The Leader of the Opposition has asked me to apologise on his behalf for not being able to be present to ask this question, of which he has given private notice to the Prime Minister. May I therefore be allowed to ask it?

The PRIME MINISTER

Subject to the exigencies of public business, it is the intention of the Government to ask the present Parliament to pass into law the Road Traffic Bill. As to a general Inquiry into the need for better regulation of road traffic and the possibility of greater co-ordination of our internal means of transport the Government have it in contemplation to institute without undue delay an investigation into this subject, but the right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the matter is of such importance that the consideration of the scope of such an investigation and of the appropriate channel through which it should be undertaken must occupy some little time.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Arising out of the second part of the reply to this question, may I ask whether the Inquiry will be representative of all interests, including Labour interests, and, if the Committee includes Members of Parliament, may I ask whether Members. of all parties will be invited?

The PRIME MINISTER

That question is really answered in the last part of my answer, which reads: The matter is of such importance that the consideration of the scope of such an investigation and of the appropriate channel through which it should be undertaken must occupy some little time.