HC Deb 16 March 1933 vol 275 cc2124-5
75. Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONES

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give the names of the representative organisations which he has consulted before making regulations under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, in pursuance of Section 111 (2) of the Act; what meetings or conferences of representatives of such organisations have been called by him; and what the total cost of such meetings or conferences has been up to the 31st December, 1932?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

Every effort is made by my Department to give full effect to Section 111 (2) of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, by consultation before regulations are made with all representative organisations whose interests are likely to be affected. This consultation takes place either by correspondence or by conferences whichever may be more convenient. It forms part of the ordinary duties of my Department and does not entail any special expenditure. The preparation of a list of all the numerous organisations consulted and of the occasions on which consultation has taken place would involve a good deal of labour, but if the hon. Member has in mind any case where he considers that adequate consultation has not taken place and will give me particulars, I will look into the matter.

Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONES

Is it not in the interests of this House, and the public generally, that they should be aware as to what organisations are consulted by the Minister of Transport before these regulations are made, and will he not take steps to furnish a report or memorandum giving a list of the organisations which have been consulted?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I do not think that any such list would be of much use to the House. I can tell my hon. Friend that there are a very large number of these bodies, and they are the most obvious bodies that should be consulted in the mater. To give him examples, the Association of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the Commercial Motor Users Association, and the Cyclists Touring Club have been consulted, among others.

Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONES

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how far organisations connected with the general public, apart from trading organisations, have been consulted?