HC Deb 13 December 1944 vol 406 cc1240-1
87. Miss Ward

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will make a full statement as to the reasons for refusing to alter the terms of the Order to enable motor vehicle manufacturers to compete in overseas markets; and why the requests were turned down, after over 12 months' delay, without consultation.

88. Mr. Leach

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if the passenger motor-omnibuses of 8 feet width, now in service in certain areas, have proved satisfactory; and will he remove the existing 7 feet 6 inches restriction.

93. Sir William Davison

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he is aware of the serious handicap to motor manufacturers who are anxious to respond to the Government's appeal to make preparations for export after the war, by reason of the fact that British requirements regulating the design of motor vehicles in this country are for the most part unacceptable in other countries; and will immediate steps be taken to adapt our regulations so as to secure the utmost possible uniformity with overseas requirements, and thus enable our motor manufacturers to proceed with their preparations for export.

94 and 95. Sir Wavell Wakefield

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (1) why the public service vehicle manufacturers and the operators' associations were not consulted before he refused to alter the Construction Order relating to public service vehicles;

(2) if, in view of the grave injury being done to our export trade by his refusal to alter the Construction Order in connection with public service vehicles, he will review his decision.

Mr. Noel-Baker

My Noble Friend was asked to sanction increases in the permitted laden weights, and in the over-all lengths, widths and heights of passenger transport vehicles. After consultation with the authorities and interests concerned, he agreed to certain changes in the regulations governing weight and height. He has not felt able to allow increases of permitted length or width, for the reason that on roads where the traffic is dense such increases would cause further congestion and accidents. In reaching this conclusion, my Noble Friend took into account all the considerations to which my hon. Friends have drawn atention. I cannot accept the suggestion that there has been any avoidable delay.

Miss Ward

Before my hon. Friend came to this decision, did he consult the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department? Did they agree with the decision?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, I think that is so. I will verify it, but I am sure that it is so.

Sir W. Wakefield

In view of the grave damage to our export trade, and the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter at the earliest possible moment, on the Adjournment.