HC Deb 30 June 1959 vol 608 cc218-20
5. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs when he proposes to make the further regulations, under the Town and Country Planning Act, for the control of advertisements, drafts of which he circulated on 25th February last.

Mr. H. Brooke

I am at present considering certain observations which I have received from the bodies I consulted.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Would the Minister care to tell us when he thinks he will have completed these consultations, and whether he will let us have the regulations before the Summer Recess? He will no doubt be aware that there is some concern among various bodies, such as the C.P.R.E., at the rather long delay that has taken place.

Mr. Brooke

I did not get in all the replies by the date I asked. Although the draft regulations are almost universally agreed in principle, there are specific detailed points which I have been asked to consider further. I would not like to give a promise about laying the new regulations before the Summer Recess, but I am anxious to get on.

6. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, whether he has now considered the proposals of the advertising interests for a voluntary code of standards applicable to outdoor advertising on business premises; and what action he proposes to take in this matter.

Mr. H. Brooke

I understand that representatives of the advertising interests are meeting representatives of the local authority associations within the next two or three weeks to discuss a draft of a voluntary code of standards. I hope they will quickly reach agreement. In that event I shall do all I can to encourage adoption of the code.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Can the Minister say what he intends to do if agreement is not reached quickly? What sort of time limit has he in mind? Can he also state what further action it will be possible for him to take, if necessary?

Mr. Brooke

That is a hypothetical question. This meeting is being held in the middle of next month, and I have expressed my strong hope that agreement will be reached.

Mr. Woodburn

Can the Minister state whether there will be any advisers on art or on the countryside to advise this body, or will it be merely a utilitarian conference? Will it be a conference which all those who are interested in the countryside can attend?

Mr. Brooke

In this case the matter under discussion is purely concerned with the clutter of advertisements on business premises. We had better read the code first and then reach our decisions upon it.

17. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what steps he will take to restrict the display of electrical advertisement signs, particularly those with vivid red, amber and green colours, in view of the danger that they may be confused, by motorists, with traffic signals.

Mr. H. Brooke

I see no need to strengthen the powers already available to local planning authorities under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations, 1948, for restricting the display of advertisement signs likely to be confused with traffic signals.

Mr. Noel-Baker

If organisations representing road users wish to make representations, will the right hon. Gentleman either receive them himself or make arrangements for one of his right hon. Friends to do so?

Mr. Brooke

If anyone feels that this is not working well, I should be glad if he would first send in his views, and then we can consider whether a deputation would be helpful.