§ 42. Mr. BARNESasked the Minister of Transport whether a report has been submitted to him by the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee upon the five Railway (Road Transport) Bills; and, if so, whether he proposes to furnish a copy of such report to the Joint Committee to which the Bills have been referred?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, my report to the Joint Committee on these Bills draws attention to the special position in the London traffic area but does not contain a copy of the London Traffic Committee's Report.
§ Mr. BARNESDoes the report which the Minister has submitted embody the report of the London Traffic Committee and does the report also contain the views of a number of local authorities in London. Does he consider their views?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNaturally, I have regard to views put to me, but the hon. Member must remember that the responsibility for the report rests with the Minister and no one else.
§ Mr. BARNESWhile I recognise that fact, does not the Minister appreciate that, if the local authorities have made a report to the Committee, and the Minister does not submit it to the Committee upstairs, it places them at a disadvantage?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have considered all the various representations made to me and have submitted my report to the Committee. Any action which the Committee may take will be according to what view they take.