§ 44. Mr. J. Langford-Holtasked the Assistant Postmaster-General when it is proposed to issue an order requiring new motorcars to be fitted with interference suppressors.
§ Mr. GammansA Regulation is now in preparation.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltCan my hon. Friend say when the Regulation which is in preparation will be issued? This matter has been hanging fire for two or three years. I prompted his predecessor on two or three occasions and hoped for some action rather more quickly than this.
§ Mr. GammansAs this is a very technical question, my noble Friend proposes to refer it to the Advisory Committee before laying it before the House. However, I can assure my hon. Friend that most large manufacturers of cars are already fitting suppressors to new cars without waiting for any Regulations.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltIf I remember aright, was not the matter referred to the Advisory Committee over a year ago? Has my hon. Friend not yet had the report?
§ Mr. GammansIt has been referred to the Advisory Committee, but the Advisory Committee have asked my noble Friend if they could see the Regulation before it is laid before the House, and, in view of the technical nature of the subject, my noble Friend felt that that was a very wise precaution to take.
§ Mr. HobsonIs it not a fact that all the technical data required for the fitting of the suppressors was already known, and many public undertakings, including the whole of the London Transport Board, have had their vehicles fitted already? Why does the hon. Gentleman not take the necessary action and put the Regulations before the House?
§ Mr. ErrollAs new cars coming on to the home market are so fitted, could the Regulations have any effect in their present form, and would it not be better to extend the new Order to cover any such cars not already fitted?
§ Mr. GammansMy noble Friend is trying to see to what extent this can be done as the result of propaganda. We have no reason to be dissatisfied with the results made public.