§ 72 and 73. Mr. EVERARDasked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he is aware that satisfactory automatic traffic-control signals are now being manufactured in this country, and have been on show at the recent trade exhibitions at Newcastle-on-Tyne, Cardiff, and the British Industries Fair at Birmingham; and what steps he is taking to secure their adoption by local authorities;
(2) what percentage grant is given to local authorities for the erection of automatic traffic-control signals; and if the grant is dependent on the use of British manufactured signals only?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI am aware that automatic traffic control signals are now being manufactured in this country. Grants of 60 per cent. are made to local authorities for the erection of signals of this nature which conform with the requirements of the Ministry. I caused a circular to be issued to local authorities on 13th September last, setting out these requirements, and British manufacturers are no doubt acquainted with the terms of the circular. While it is not made a condition of the grant, every effort will be made to encourage the use of British apparatus. It is true that the apparatus to be used in Oxford Street is of American manufacture. This experimental installation however presented exceptional difficulties and it was necessary to make use of the services of a firm with a wide experience in the construction of complicated systems of light signals. I have every reason to hope that in the case of future installations the necessary apparatus will be manufactured in this country.