HC Deb 02 August 1939 vol 350 cc2355-6
24. Sir Irving Albery

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the increasing defacement of the public highways by advertisement hoardings, illuminated and otherwise; and whether he is now taking any steps to deal with this nuisance?

The Minister of Transport (Captain Wallace)

The question of revising the Advertisements Regulation Acts is at present being considered by a committee appointed jointly by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Home Affairs and the Secretary of State for Scotland. As regards the control of illuminated advertisements, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given to him on 1st March.

Sir. I. Albery

Are the present powers possessed by county councils adequate to deal with this matter, and, if so, will he draw the attention of those county councils who are not using them to these powers?

Captain Wallace

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question on the Paper. I should not like to answer without notice.

Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte

Is it not the case that the committee has practically come to an agreement as to legislation?

Captain Wallace

I understand that the committee hope to report back to the conference shortly.

Mr. H. Strauss

Does not the Minister think that these advertisements put up at cross roads for the express purpose of attracting the attention of drivers on the roads are a cause of danger as well as interfering with the amenities, and is he not aware that the committee sitting at the Home Office have not considered the question of danger at all?

Captain Wallace

There is a later question on the Order Paper bearing on the point, and perhaps the hon. Member will await my answer.

40. Sir I. Albery

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now received the report promised by his predecessor concerning illuminated signs and advertisements on the London-Maidstone road?

Captain Wallace

Yes, Sir. The Ministry's Divisional Road Engineer has now investigated the conditions referred to by my hon. Friend and his report shows that in the built-up areas of the London-Maidstone trunk road the signs are of the type normally found in shopping localities. On the other parts of the road the illuminated advertisements consist principally of flood-lit hoardings. These are on property outside the limits of the highway and the lighting is, I understand, in every case directed on to the hoardings and does not shine into the eyes of road users. There is no record of any accident on the road being attributed to the effect of an illuminated advertisement.

Mr. Hannah

Is not a tax on advertisements a very desirable thing?