Oral Answers to Questions — Transport. – in the House of Commons at on 27 March 1935.
Mr Clifford Glossop
, Penistone
asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the introduction of regulations to make it an offence for a pedestrian about to cross a road to do so other than at a recognised pedestrian crossing-place, except where such crossing-places are more than 50 yards distant from the point where the pedestrian desires to cross over?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
Further experience may necessitate some revision of the pedestrian crossing places regulations, but I am not prepared at present to give any pledge to my hon. Friend.
Mr Clifford Glossop
, Penistone
Does my hon. Friend contemplate making it an offence to walk to the danger of the public?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
No, Sir. I should like to place on record my recognition of the increasingly courteous manner in which the motorists are observing these crossings.
Mr Thomas Groves
, West Ham Stratford
asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the overtures made by the Gas Light and Coke Company to certain local authorities for permission to experiment in the illumination of a certain number of beacons; and whether his Department gives approval to this suggestion?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
I understand that the Gas Light and Coke Company offered to illuminate certain beacons in West Ham and that the Corporation decided not to accept the offer. In the circumstances I do not think it would be proper for me to intervene.
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
Might I ask the Minister whether, if an application is sent along again, he will be good enough to give it consideration, and that he will raise no objection?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
It was not sent to me; it was sent to the West Ham Corporation.
Mr William Thorne
, West Ham Plaistow
Yes, but I understand that they have reversed their decision. If they apply again, will the Minister not give permission?
Mr Leslie Hore-Belisha
, Plymouth, Devonport
I can only express my view on any proposal put to me in accordance with the terms of the proposal. This proposal has not been made to me.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
