HC Deb 02 July 1951 vol 489 cc1873-4
7. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take as the result of the Report to this House by the Select Committee on Statutory Instruments on the subject of Statutory Instrument, 1951, No. 736, made by him.

Mr. Barnes

I explained the facts in regard to this Statutory Instrument in a memorandum to the Select Committee which was printed as an appendix to this Report. Subject to the views of the House, I do not think that in the circumstances any action on my part other than that indicated in my memorandum is called for.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was after the submission to the Select Committee of the memorandum to which he refers, that the Select Committee reported this Order to the House on the ground that it made unusual or unexpected use of the delegated powers? Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that he proposes to treat the recommendations of a Select Committee of the House with contempt?

Mr. Barnes

Surely not. In my reply I said that, subject to any direction, I will do what I indicated in the memorandum, namely, make the regulations permanent after I have consulted the London and Home Counties Committee.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he gives no undertaking in the memorandum not to repeat the practices complained of at present? Is he prepared to give such an assurance now?

Mr. Barnes

This is hardly likely to occur again. There were unusual circumstances, because of the Festival, the action of the police and the necessity for me to authorise special signs. I can hardly imagine that those circumstances are likely to be repeated.