asked the Secretary of State for Transport on what date he received a request from the London borough of Newham for installation of bus-actuated traffic signals on the A13 in that borough; when his Department initiated research into bus-controlled traffic signals; and what information he has on the extent of equipment available to local authorities from stock.

The installation of bus actuated traffic signals at the A13-New Barn Street junction was first raised by the London borough of Newham in June 1975.The Department started research on bus detection to give buses priority at traffic signals in 1969. This research is still continuing. Manufacturers are currently developing equipment to meet the Department's specifications. It is not yet available to local authorities.The proposals now agreed for this junction do not involve the use of bus actuated signals. It is hoped that installation will be completed by the summer of next year.