HC Deb 10 July 1919 vol 117 cc1998-2000
41. Mr. RAPER

asked the President of the Board of Trade who will be the representative of Labour on the Committee appointed to investigate Mr. A. W. Gattie's transport proposals; and whether, in view of the great national importance of Mr. Gattie's claims, he will consider inviting three outstanding leaders of commerce to join the Committee?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

A representative of Labour has been invited to serve on this Committee, but no reply has yet been received. The name will be announced as soon as possible. I do not think it would be desirable to add representatives of commerce to what is really an expert Committee on the technical practicability of the scheme.

Sir R. COOPER

Does the hon. Gentleman really think it is just and proper there should be two railway directors on this Committee and no representatives of industry and commerce, which are most concerned?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

As it is a question of practicability, I think it is natural railway representatives should be in the preponderance. The matter affects the railways, and if their representatives are satisfied it will be strong testimony.

Sir R. COOPER

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is directly opposed to the interests of the railway directors that this scheme should even be inquired into?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

No, Sir.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is there any representation of Irish interests on this Committee?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I think not. I am not quite sure.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is it not a matter which concerns Ireland, Scotland, and Wales as well as England?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Yes; but there are no representatives of Scotland on the Committee.

Sir F. HALL

Considering the supposed importance of this question, may we take it it is not going to fee prejudged toy the Board of Trade as was done apparently in a previous case?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The Board of Trade are not hostile to the scheme in any way. We only want to know whether it is practicable, and we are appointing practical men on the Committee for that purpose.

Sir F. HALL

Will the Committee consider Reports on this subject previously which emanated from the Board of Trade and which we had before the Select Committee on Transport?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

That is rather ancient history.

Sir F. HALL

It was only in October last.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Why are not Irish, Scottish and Welsh interests represented on this Committee?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

It would enlarge the Committee beyond reasonable proportions.

Mr. MacVEAGH

That is not an answer to my question.

Mr. RAPER

Is this not a question which specially affects the commerce of the country? Why should not commerce be represented on the Committee?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

It is a technical question and that is why we are appointing experts.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Are there no competent men in Scotland?

71. Mr. RAPER

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Committee appointed to inquire into the claims of Mr. Gattie's goods transport scheme will commence their sittings; and whether or not the inquiry will be held with open doors?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

It is hoped that this Committee will be formally appointed and meet within a few days. As my right hon. Friend stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member on Monday, the suggestion as to holding public sittings will be referred to the Chairman.

Mr. RAPER

In view of the great national importance of the question, will the hon. Gentleman lay down in the terms of reference that the inquiry shall be held with open doors; and is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the people of this country cannot be satisfied with those closed inquiries?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

If the latter part of the question refers to this Committee, I must repudiate it. In reference to the question of holding the inquiry with open doors, the usual practice is to refer the matter to the Chairman.

Mr. SEDDON

Are we to accept it that the precedent of the last inquiry will be followed? Will any evidence which is put in be given to Members of this House, and not excised by the Chairman or anyone else?

Mr. MacVEAGH

Will the hon. Gentleman between now and the meeting of the Committee confer with the Leader of the House as to the reconstitute on of the Committee on a more representative basis?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I will confer with the Leader of the House on the matter.