HL Deb 23 November 1961 vol 235 cc944-5

3.8 p.m.

EARL HOWE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many parking meters are installed in the City of Westminster; how many were out of action on November 1, 1961; what is the length of time they have been out of action; and further whether it is intended in the light of experience gained to review the number already installed and to add to the number where possible.]

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, 2,569 parking meters are installed in the City of Westminster. On November 1, 1961, 99 were suspended. Of these, 85 were suspensions for one week or more, due mainly to building operations; the remaining 14 were shorter suspensions, for such purposes as furniture removals and fuel deliveries. I understand the Westminster City Council are proposing to review their existing parking meter schemes in the light of experience. They hope to increase the number of meters.

LORD MORRISON OF LAMBETH

My Lords, could the noble Lord say where the parking meters are manufactured—whether or not they are manufactured in our country? Secondly, would it be possible for the Government, at some convenient time, to produce a statement showing how the finances of the parking meters work out, including the capital expenditure, the income from them and the expenditure incurred in keeping watch on them?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, the parking meters are made in this country. So far as the noble Lord's second question is concerned, I should like to consider his suggestion, because the parking meter schemes are, of course, made by the local authorities and not by the Government. I should like to consider whether or not that can be done.

VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGH

My Lords, on the question of finance that was raised just now, may I ask whether, if that is the case, the local authorities keep an entirely separate balance sheet in respect of this matter? I rather gathered that was so from the noble Lord's reply. If so, will those figures be made public?

LORD CHESHAM

I do not think that that is a question I can answer at the moment, without notice. I think the best thing would be for me to consider the matter, as I have said I would.