§ 72. Sir Arnold Wilsonasked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to encourage healthful exercise by office and other workers who are unable to walk to work, he will take steps in conjunction with local authorities to provide parking places, particularly in London and other urban areas, for bicycles such as are to be found in many Continental cities?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Captain Austin Hudson)In the Public Health Act, 1925, Parliament gave wide powers in this regard to local authorities. I hope my 870 hon. and gallant Friend's question will serve to remind them of their powers. My right hon. Friend has power under the London Traffic Acts to appoint parking places in the London Traffic Area for cyclists on the highway, but not off the highway. Any substantial increase however in the number of cyclists in London would add to traffic difficulties, particularly in peak hours.