asked the Minister of Transport whether his recent reports from the provinces on the various systems of electric automatic traffic signals show that they are meeting with success; are similar experiments in the Metropolitan area under consideration; and can he give particulars?

So far as I am aware the experiments made in the provinces with automatic traffic signals are generally giving satisfactory results, but it is important that the apparatus should be of a suitable type and that the signals should only be erected where the best results are likely to be obtained. Arrangements are being made to carry out an experiment with signals of this nature in Oxford Street.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many automatic signals are at present in use in the Metropolitan area?

No, Sir, not without notice.

May I ask how many of these signals are made in England?

There is some difficulty on that point, as to the capacity of English manufacturers to manufacture according to requirements at the present moment, and it may be necessary to experiment with imported articles. As soon as the experimental stage is passed we shall be able to make suitable arrangements with British manufacturers.

Would it be right to say that every single one now in use is made abroad?

I cannot say.