HC Deb 24 February 1919 vol 112 cc1356-7
31. Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALL

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his Department have the necessary authority to consider and, if approved, to put into operation urgent schemes for the improvement of either railway or tramways facilities in agricultural areas, or whether these preliminaries, which are vital to agricultural reconstruction, are to await the establishment of a Ministry of Transportation?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)

The Board have no statutory authority to initiate or operate transport schemes. Proposals are, however, under consideration by which it is hoped that certain demontration schemes may be started by the Board pending the establishment of a Ministry of Transportation.

Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALL

Is it a fact that, if a local authority desires to carry out any urgent scheme by means of either motor or railway transport, it has to wait for the institution of the new Ministry—there is no other means of carrying it out?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Speaking generally, I think that is so, though, as I have said, we hope to get powers to carry out certain demonstration schemes.

Colonel CLAUDE LOWTHER

Is it not a fact that at the time of the General Election we were promised immediate remedial legislation in that direction?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Yes, and I hope it will be immediate.

Sir F. HALL

Will the Government again set up a Committee on Inland Transport?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I think that should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

Sir F. HALL

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will take it up with the Government. It is a very important matter.