HC Deb 30 November 1932 vol 272 cc802-3
24. Mr. KIMBALL

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that his delay in giving a decision on the Salter Report is causing delay in the placing of contracts already tendered for and is resulting in unemployment in certain brandies of the engineering industry; and whether he will expedite the announcement of his decision on this matter?

Mr. PYBUS

Representations in this sense have already been made to me and I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no avoidable delay in reaching a decision. He will realise however that the rates of licence duties are a budget matter on which it is not possible to anticipate the budget decision.

Mr. KIMBALL

May we hope for an early decision, in view of the fact that the report was presented in August and that it is now the last day of November?

Mr. PYBUS

I have said on many occasions in this House that there would be no avoidable delay. We are doing everything we can to urge the matter forward.

Mr. PIKE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he gave the same reply to practically the same question three weeks ago; and does he not consider that the time for action has arrived?

Mr. PYBUS

Action is at present going on.