§ 29. Mr. HALESasked the' Minister of Transport whether, at a convenient time, he will introduce legislation to permit the holding of tourist trophy motor-cycle racing on selected English roads similar to the competitions held each year in the Isle of Man and the Continent.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)My hon. Friend does not contemplate introducing legislation on this subject.
§ Mr. HALESHas the Hon. and gallant Gentleman considered the world-wide interest which is taken in these motorcycle races in the Isle of Man and on the Continent, and is he aware of the significant fact that the Manx Highways Board have contributed £5,000 per annum for a number of years to encourage competitors from the Continent; is it not clear from this that they realise the benefits to that island, and would not this be a good thing for our distressed areas?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMMy hon. Friend is well aware of all these facts.
§ Mr. HALESIf he is aware of the facts, will he act on them in a businesslike way, and not let the money go out of the country?
Mr. GURNEY BRAITHWAITEIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that if anything in the nature of a round-the-houses motor race took place in the streets 2962 of Hanley, it is likely to be an even more distressed area?