§ Mr. Arthur Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has concerning the purchase by local authorities of parking meters from manufacturers in the United States of 699W America; and whether he will publish it in the Official Report.
§ Mr. HoramSince the selection of parking meters suitable for local use is primarily a matter for the responsible local authority, we do not in general have detailed information on this subject. However, we are aware of the reports that the Westminster City Council intends to purchase a substantial number of meters manufactured in the United States. I am informed that these conform to the general approval issued by the Secretary of State for the Environment in 1974 and that their design is acceptable to the Council of Industrial Design.
The only special approval I have given for the purchase of meters manufactured in the United States is in respect of a small number of Duncan meters not approved by the Council of Industrial Design, where the vandal-proof qualities of the meters was a major consideration.