§ 66. Mr. TURTONasked the Minister of Transport under what statutory authority he proposes to limit the use of horse transport in British towns other than London; and whether, in view of the anxiety caused by the prospect that horse transport is to be discouraged in the principal provincial cities, he will take an early opportunity of clarifying his policy in this direction?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWhile I cannot admit the assumptions contained in my hon. Friend's question, the relevant statutory authority is contained in Section 46 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, as amended by Section 29 of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, which empowers highway authorities to take action subject to the confirmation of the Minister. A statement of my policy in this matter will be found in the answer which gave on 5th December to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Lieut.-Colonel Moore), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.
§ Mr. TURTONAre we to understand that what the Minister told us last July, that he proposed, with modifications, to stop the use of horse traffic on the roads in five years, is not correct?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWhat I said last July and what I said in December are exactly the same. If my hon. Friend will read what I said, he will find a complete statement of my policy.