HC Deb 04 July 1962 vol 662 cc524-5
27. Mr. Short

asked the Minister of Transport why he did not inform the Newcastle Corporation of his intention to hold a public inquiry into its parking meter scheme before informing an hon. Member whose constituency is not directly affected by the scheme; and why he did not, at the same time, inform the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Central after promising to do so in a letter dated 21st May.

Mr. Marples

This was a mistake, for which I apologise.

Mr. Short

Of course we accept the Minister's apology, but his action appeared to be extremely discourteous. Will he see that in future when he tells the hon. Member concerned— and I was the Member concerned— that he will inform him, he does not inform an hon. Member opposite ten days before? Will he also see that in future when a public inquiry is to be held, he does not leave the local authority to read about it in the local Press?

Mr. Marples

I have apologised. I am sure that the House will agree that in my Ministry we have thousands of oases and that occasionally one or two go wrong. I accept responsibility, I have said so, and I am sorry.