HC Deb 24 July 1930 vol 241 cc2382-3
68. Sir COOPER RAWSON

asked the Minister of Transport why grants are allowed from the Road Fund to local authorities in respect of the coloured-light system of control and refused to applicants from different parts of the country for the semaphore system as installed at Brighton?

Mr. WHITELEY

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to Memorandum No. 297 (Roads), 1929, on this subject, a copy of which I am sending him. The memorandum was prepared after careful consideration of all known systems, and after consultation with chief constables representing most of the cities and towns in this country where traffic signals had been installed, including Brighton. The conclusion was reached that it was of the utmost importance that these signals should be as uniform in character throughout the country as possible, and that the proposals contained in that circular were the most satisfactory that could at present be devised. In these circumstances the Minister of Transport would not feel justified in making grants to systems other than those which comply with the recommendations set out in the memorandum.

Sir C. RAWSON

Cannot the Minister change his mind in view of the development of the semaphore system in the last two years and the conviction that has been brought to his mind that motorists more easily understand the single semaphore system than a lot of coloured lights on the top of lamp posts?

Mr. WHITELEY

The hon. Member will find in the Memorandum information showing that the Minister has gone fully into the matter.