HC Deb 27 March 1935 vol 299 cc1892-3
20. Mr. GLOSSOP

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the introduction of regulations to make it an offence for a pedestrian about to cross a road to do so other than at a recognised pedestrian crossing-place, except where such crossing-places are more than 50 yards distant from the point where the pedestrian desires to cross over?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Further experience may necessitate some revision of the pedestrian crossing places regulations, but I am not prepared at present to give any pledge to my hon. Friend.

Mr. GLOSSOP

Does my hon. Friend contemplate making it an offence to walk to the danger of the public?

Mr. WEST

Has the hon. Gentleman now abandoned all hope of making the motorists regard these pedestrian crossings at all?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

No, Sir. I should like to place on record my recognition of the increasingly courteous manner in which the motorists are observing these crossings.

24. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the overtures made by the Gas Light and Coke Company to certain local authorities for permission to experiment in the illumination of a certain number of beacons; and whether his Department gives approval to this suggestion?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I understand that the Gas Light and Coke Company offered to illuminate certain beacons in West Ham and that the Corporation decided not to accept the offer. In the circumstances I do not think it would be proper for me to intervene.

Mr. THORNE

Might I ask the Minister whether, if an application is sent along again, he will be good enough to give it consideration, and that he will raise no objection?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

It was not sent to me; it was sent to the West Ham Corporation.

Mr. THORNE

Yes, but I understand that they have reversed their decision. If they apply again, will the Minister not give permission?

Mr. GROVES

The council have not reversed their decision. I asked the Minister whether he would approve and not whether he knew that West Ham would approve. We now ask the right hon. Gentleman his views; we know ours.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I can only express my view on any proposal put to me in accordance with the terms of the proposal. This proposal has not been made to me.