HC Deb 28 May 1930 vol 239 cc1288-9
61. Dr. MORRIS-JONES

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the aggravation to the congestion of traffic along the North Wales coast roads on bank holidays owing to cattle and other livestock sales; and whether, by legislation or otherwise, he will prohibit such sales being held on Easter Monday, Whit Monday and August bank holiday?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Miss Lawrence)

My right hon. Friend has not received any previous representations on this matter. He has no power to take any such action as is suggested in the question, and the difficulty of legislation will be apparent to the hon. Member.

Dr. MORRIS-JONES

Will the bon. Lady confer with the Minister of Transport with a view to remedying the conditions along this main roadway of the North Wales coast?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

How are the farmers to get their living?

Earl WINTERTON

Will the Minister give an assurance that the agricultural needs of the country will not be sacrificed to holiday traffic? Is she aware that not only in North Wales but all over the country these sales are held on the Friday or Saturday, and the stock frequently travels on the Monday?

Miss LAWRENCE

My right hon. Friend has no power to deal with the matter. If the hon. Member for Denbigh (Dr. Morris-Jones) desires it, we will confer with the Minister of Transport.

Earl WINTERTON

Will the Minister give an undertaking that the agricultural interests of the country will not be sacrificed for mere holiday traffic?

Miss LAWRENCE

I have already explained that the Minister of Health has no power to deal with the matter. If the hon. Gentleman desires information from the Minister of Agriculture perhaps he will put a question on the Paper.