HC Deb 03 December 1930 vol 245 cc2217-20
49. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Minister of Transport if every opportunity was given to inventors to demonstrate the models of their inventions before the Automatic Train-Control Committee; and what was the number inspected?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

The Committee to which my hon. Friend refers have now reported, and their report will shortly be published. The Committee examined a large number of specifications, or suggestions, which were brought to their notice by inventors and others, but it would appear that only in a few cases did the Committee think it necessary to give inventors opportunities to demonstrate the models of their inventions.

50. Mr. EVERARD

asked the Minister of Transport whether, when sanctioning the grant of 60 per cent. of the cost of installation of automatic traffic; signals for use by local authorities, any stipulation is made by him that they shall be of British manufacture

Mr. MORRISON

Every endeavour is made to encourage local authorities to use British materials and plant, although it is not the practice to make an actual requirement to this effect in the case of normal grants from the Road Fund. In the case of works expedited for the relief of unemployment it is, however, a condition of the grant that only British materials and plant shall be used save with the express approval of my Department.

Mr. EVERARD

The last time I asked this question, some months ago, the hon. Gentleman told me that they were experimenting with these instruments, and that as soon as the experiments were over British materials would be used?

Mr. MORRISON

The questions put on that occasion were in respect of instruments constructed by my own Department, and that answer still holds good.

51. Mr. EVERARD

asked the Minister of Transport whether British manufacturers are now in a position to supply automatic traffic-control signals for use by local authorities?

Mr. MORRISON

A number of British firms are now in a position to supply automatic coloured light signals for traffic control.

52. Mr. EVERARD

asked the Minister of Transport whether when sanctioning the grant for the installation of automatic traffic signals by local authorities, any grant has been given to installations of British manufacture; and, if so, by which local authorities they are used?

Mr. MORRISON

Grants have been made in respect of the installation of traffic control by coloured light signals of British manufacture to the following urban authorities:

  • Eastbourne.
  • Reading.
  • Coventry.
  • Leicester.
  • Liverpool.
  • Bristol.
  • Birmingham.
  • Sutton-in-Coldfield.
  • Ashton-under Lyne.
  • Dundee.
  • Renfrew.
  • Felixtowe.
  • Lowestoft.

Mr. EVERARD

If these instruments of British manufacture are good enough for these local authorities, surely they are good enough for others, and why should not the right hon. Gentleman put them into operation all over the country?

Mr. LEIF JONES

Will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that the automatic signals that are put up are the best that can be obtained?

Mr. MORRISON

Those that are put up with the approval of my Department probably are the best that can be obtained, but I quite agree that the respective merits must be taken into account in connection with each installation.

Mr. JONES

Has the hon. Gentleman informed himself as to whether automatic installations in foreign countries are better or worse than or equal to those of British manufacture?

Mr. MORRISON

No, we have not come to a final conclusion upon that point. We are ourselves originating a scheme in Oxford Street, and we had to go to America for that purpose, because at that time British manufacturers were not in a position to give us equal service. I hope, however, that that condition of affairs will pass, and that we shall be able to take British all round.

Mr. EVERARD

May I have a reply to my question if British installations are good enough for the authorities which the hon. Gentleman mentions, why are they not good enough to use in other parts of the country?

Mr. MORRISON

Our experience is still limited, and it may be that we still do not know everything that we shall know about this subject.

Mr. HAYCOCK

Are we exporting any of these installations, and is the foreigner committing a sin by buying them?