§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Minister of Transport whether he is a, ware that the provision prohibiting the carrying or distribution of pictures, prints, placards, or notices for the purpose of advertisement in the City of London, and special limits contained in the new Draft Regulations issued by his Department, will if enforced have the effect of throwing a considerable number of men out of work and aggravate the unemployment problem; whether he will state the reasons for making the provision in question; and whether he will consider the desirability of withdrawing it?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am unable to agree that the proposed Regulations in respect of advertising in streets will have as serious an effect upon employment as the hon. Member appears to think. So far as the City of London is concerned, o no question of throwing men out of employment can arise as I am advised that pictures, prints, placards, etc., for the purposes of advertisement are not carried or distributed, and have not been for several years in that area. With regard to the Metropolitan Police District, the prohibition will only apply to 148 of the more important and congested 1309W streets in Central London, where, I am advised by the London Traffic Advisory Committee., such forma of advertisement causes obstruction to traffic. In order that persons likely to be affected may be afforded ample time in which to alter their arrangements, it is proposed that the Regulations should not come into force until at least three months from the date upon which notice of my intention to make the Regulations was given.