§ 2.39 p.m.
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy 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 when roadside notices will be placed at the approaches to Norton in Yorkshire to warn motorists that there is the likelihood of meeting racehorses on the roads in the area.]
4§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE ROYAL NAVY (LORD WINTERBOTTOM)My Lords, nine traffic signs indicating the likelihood of horses on the road are due to be put up around Norton within the next two months.
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy Lords, I am extremely grateful to the noble Lord for his reply. I would ask him only this supplementary question. Since the area is on the main road from the West Riding of Yorkshire to Scarborough, and since the holiday season is now with us, does the noble Lord not agree—I am sure he does—that a delay of two months is not justifiable?
§ LORD WINTERBOTTOMMy Lords, if it were only a single authority that was concerned with the operation, that criticism might be justified, but more than one authority has been concerned, and until all authorities had agreed, no orders could be placed for these signs. The order for the signs has now been placed, and they should be up before the holiday season reaches its peak.
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy Lords, again, I am most grateful to the noble Lord for that answer, but I would ask him: does he not think that this is carrying red tape rather far, and that, because of the niceties of red tape—that is, in looking after the finer feelings of a variety of local authorities—there is grave risk of a serious accident taking place?