HC Deb 02 March 1960 vol 618 c1218
46. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now ask representative organisations for their recommendations on increasing from 30 miles-an-hour to 40 miles-an-hour, outside built-up areas, the speed limits of public service and goods vehicles.

Mr. Hay

A similar proposal was circulated in December, 1958, and I have the views which the representative organisations gave last year. We will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind if we decide to seek the views of these organisations again.

Mr. Goodhew

Does not my hon. Friend realise that many of these vehicles already travel at 40 miles-an-hour. That being so, would it not be better if it were made legal?

Mr. Hay

There was a good deal of lack of unanimity among the representative organisations on these matters when we considered them last year. I would not like to accept without qualification or challenge what my hon. Friend has said.

Mr. Mellish

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that men's livelihoods are affected by any decision about raising the speed limit from 30 miles-an-hour to 40 miles-an-hour. Will he assure the House that before such a decision is taken, the trade unions concerned will be consulted?

Mr. Hay

I think that they were consulted—

Mr. Mellish

Are they to be consulted now?

Mr. Hay

They were consulted last year and would certainly be consulted again.