HC Deb 09 May 1934 vol 289 cc1077-8
29. Mr. ANSTRUTHER GRAY

asked the Minister of Transport whether the recent statutory regulation forbidding the wearing in the Metropolitan area of fancy dresses or other costumes for the purpose of advertisement is intended to apply to the wearing of political uniforms?

Mr. STANLEY

Under the powers conferred by the London Traffic Act, 1924, and after consultation with the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, a regulation was made on 13th February, 1928, which has been incorporated in a consolidating regulation recently made. It provides that no person shall in any scheduled street either wholly or mainly for the purpose of advertisement wear or cause to be worn any fancy dress or other costume. The object of the regulation was to relieve congestion and facilitate traffic. Its interpretation and enforcement are not matters for me.

Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

In view of the fact that black shirts are a form of fancy dress and that they are worn primarily for the purpose of advertisement, may I take it that the intention of these regulations is to include them?

Mr. STANLEY

The hon. Member must remember that a black shirt may be due not to a desire to advertise, but simply to neglect to change.