§ 60. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Minister of Transport if he will give particulars of the further traffic restrictions proposed on the movement of private motor vehicles and taximeter cabs in the City and West End; and when it is proposed to bring them into operation?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONApart from the proposed regulations in connection with the scheme for the control of traffic in Oxford Street, notice of which was given in the "London Gazette" on the 20th of this month, the 2123 only proposal that I have under consideration at the present time affecting private cars and taximeter cabs is an extension of the number of streets in London in which such vehicles may not wait for any longer time than is necessary to enable persons to board them or alight therefrom. Notice of my intention to make regulations to this effect will shortly be published in the "London Gazette." The regulations cannot be made until 40 days have elapsed after the publication of the notice, and during this period representations may be made by persons who would be affected thereby?
§ Sir W. BRASSCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these Regulations will be laid on the Table of the House; whether we shall be able to debate them or not?
§ Mr. MORRISONIn the ordinary way the House would not debate this particular type of Regulation.
§ Sir W. BRASSWe have not the right?
§ Mr. MORRISONI would not say that, but they are not Regulations which require an affirmative Resolution of the House.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYCan we have a Prayer against them if we do not approve of the Regulations?
§ Mr. MORRISONYou may, but I hope you will not.
§ 61. Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Minister of Transport if the new regulations dealing with certain horse-drawn vehicles in Oxford Street will apply to private carriages; and, if so, whether such carriages will be permitted to cross Oxford Street or New Oxford Street?
§ Mr. MORRISONThe proposed London Traffic (Oxford Street) Regulations provide for the prohibition of slow-moving traffic, including all vehicles drawn by horses or other animals, except under the conditions defined in the Regulations, but these conditions will not prevent such vehicles from crossing Oxford Street or New Oxford Street or from going to any destination in those streets.
§ Sir B. FALLECan the right hon. Gentleman say why preference is given to rich people in their motors instead of 2124 to poor people with their horse-drawn vehicles?
§ Mr. MORRISONMay I point out that rich people ride in omnibuses sometimes, and working people ride in omnibuses which are also motor cars? I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that, despite the fact that everything I say is interpreted in some quarter or other as class bias, it is never present in my mind.
§ Sir B. FALLEThere is no such idea in my mind.