§ Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—[Mr. Oakshott]
§ 9.57 p.m.
§ Major Sir Frank Markham (Buckingham)When I sought, with your permission, Mr. Speaker, a few days ago to raise the question of parking restrictions in rural areas, I naturally thought that the reply from the Treasury Bench would be given by the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation. I was somewhat surprised when I was informed that instead of the Minister of Transport replying to this debate the reply would be made by a spokesman of the Home Office. Of course I must accept that, but I hope that I shall not be out of order in raising this evening questions which have little reference to the Home Office but more reference to the Ministry of Transport.
Whilst all of us want safety on the roads and a free flow of traffic, at the same time we want the minimum harrying of motorists by the police. Today, we have the paradox that whilst in London many of the efforts of the police are directed to improving parking facilities for motorists of all kinds, in certain country districts those police activities are now—not through their wishes, but through the wishes of local councils—directed to limiting parking facilities for motorists. I want to emphasise that with particular reference to one or two definite cases.
May we first consider the different definitions there are between Ministries of what constitutes a road? I think that the definition given by the Ministry of Transport is that a road is a highway with a metalled or other made up surface.
§ It being Ten o'clock, the Motion for the Adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.