§ 49. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the complaints received by him as to the working of the Road Traffic Act, he will take steps to repeal or revise the Act?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Pybus)I have been asked to answer this question. The main provisions of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, are based on the unanimous recommendations of the Royal Commission on Transport, and the Bill, after the most exhaustive examination in Committee, was passed with the general approval of all parties in the House. In the operation of a complicated Measure such as this, experience must inevitably suggest certain points for review, and I have always expressed my willingness to consider representations from any parties or interests affected by the administration of the Act, several of which are now under my earnest consideration.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for his very comprehensive reply, may I ask him to give a reply to the question which I asked? Is it the intention of the Covernment to repeal or revise or reconsider this Act?
§ Mr. PYBUSThe operation of the Act is constantly under review. It is not the intention of the Government to repeal it.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEIn the reconsideration of this Act is it the intention of the Government to revise it or the manner in which it is administered?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHas the hon. Gentleman so far undertaken to meet representatives of the Don Valley Light Railway?
§ Mr. PYBUSI am meeting deputations every day this week, including one from the hon. Member for Newcastle-on-Tyne North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle). On Friday last I issued some general instructions to traffic commissioners directing them to take into special consideration the small operator and the interests of the travelling public in rural areas. The operation of the Act therefore at present is subject to constant revision.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEI do not want to press the hon. Gentleman, but is it the intention of the Government to revise this Act as it stands?