§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Transport whether he can state in what circumstances during the past two years his department has approached the principal users of horse-drawn vehicles with the object of achieving the more rapid substitution of motor- for horse-drawn vehicles; whether he is aware of the resentment which this action has caused to British horse - breeding interests; and whether he will instruct his officials in future not to advocate any one means of transport as preferable to any other and to endeavour to hold a fair balance in such matters?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMy officials have entered into no advocacy in the matter. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement on the matter, which I made in answer to a question by the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. Logan) on the 1st August. I am sending him a copy of the statement.
§ Sir J. NALLasked the Minister of Transport whether his announcements regarding inquiries as to the possible restriction of horse-drawn vehicles will be 2994W restricted to the city of London or what other centres of industry are to be included in the inquiry; and will he ensure that all relevant interests are given an opportunity of stating their views before a decision is reached?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on the 1st August in answer to a question by the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. Logan). I am sending him a copy of the statement.