§ 12. Sir R. THOMASasked the Home Secretary whether, in connection with the problem of street noises, he contemplates dealing with the question of hawkers' cries, bells, etc.?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir. Local authorities have already powers of dealing with these matters by by-laws, and very many have done so. I am not aware that the existing powers have proved insufficient, and I do not consider that it is necessary for me to take any further action.
§ Sir R. THOMASCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the joint Report of his Department and the Ministry of Transport will be made, on street noises generally?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNot until the inquiry is completed.
§ Sir R. THOMASCan the right hon. Gentleman give any idea as to when the inquiry will be completed?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not know exactly.
§ Sir R. THOMASWill it be possible to complete it during the present Session?
Mr. ERSKINEIs my right hon. Friend aware that I had a letter this morning from the Westminster City Council—[Interruption]—in which they say that they have no power whatever to deal with street noises of this character?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI should be sorry to be responsible for my hon. Friend's correspondence—
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt is not the duty of the Home Secretary to be responsible for my hon. Friend's correspondence; but I think that there must be some mistake on the part of the Westminster City Council, who undoubtedly have power to make by-laws dealing with street noises.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes.
§ Sir R. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly reply to my supplementary question? He was on the point of doing so when he was interrupted. Can he hold out any hope of the Report being issued during this Session?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI always hope, but my right hon. and gallant Friend and myself want to make complete investigations, and, we cannot come to any decision until those investigations are completed.
§ Mr. MONTAGUEWill the right hon. Gentleman investigate street noises caused by Liberal vans?