HC Deb 27 May 1954 vol 528 cc601-2
36. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received during the past 12 months with regard to the national economic advantage to be gained by legalising higher speed limits for heavy goods vehicles in this country; what consultations he has had on this subject with the various Ministers concerned; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Reginald Maudling)

My right hon. Friend has received representations on two separate occasions and he has referred them to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, as this is a matter primarily for him. With regard to the third part of the Question, I think the Government's attitude to this problem has been made clear in a number of previous statements made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

Mr. Nabarro

From the point of view of industrial production, which is of paramount interest in this regard, is this not a question for the Treasury, and not for the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation? As to the controversy that has now been going on for several years, can my hon. Friend anticipate any sort of solution at an early date?

Mr. Maudling

This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, who has answered many Questions on this subject, some of them, I think, from my hon. Friend. I am quite certain that my right hon. Friend is well aware of the economic considerations involved.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will the hon. Gentleman also ask the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the very serious difficulties which already face pedestrians on zebra crossings and ask him not to increase their problems by supporting the representations of the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro)?