HC Deb 28 July 1919 vol 118 cc1788-9
2 and 3 Mr. RAPER

asked the President of the Board of Trade (l) whether he is aware that the London Traffic Branch of the Board of Trade was established to examine into and report upon schemes for the betterment of London s traffic conditions; whether Mr. Gattie submitted his scheme to the then President of the Board of Trade and, on the recommendation of Sir William Preece, was sent to Sir Herbert Jekyll, chief of the London Traffic Branch of the Board of Trade; whether Sir Herbert Jekyll refused to examine into and report upon the said scheme; whether, at, the suggestion of Mr. Sydney Buxton (now Lord Buxton), President of the Board of Trade, Mr. Gattie again submitted his scheme to Sir William Mar wood, chief of the Railway Department of the Board of Trade, whether Sir William Mar wood refused to examine into and report upon the said scheme;

(2) whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which exists in wide commercial and scientific circles on account of the way in which the Gattie goods clearing house scheme has been dealt with by public Departments and various Select Committees during the past twelve years, and the important benefit to the community which will result if the claims of its promoters are substantiated, he will consider the urgent desirability of the Government, bringing to the notice of the Chairman of the Committee of Inquiry recently appointed the necessity of the utmost publicity being given to the Committee's pro- ceedings, and of Mr. Gattie being given facilities to call witnesses and, further, for the latter to be examined by counsel, in order to ensure the Gattie scheme receiving fair treatment on this occasion?

Sir A. GEDDES

I do not think that any useful purpose whatever can be served by adverting to the past history of Mr. Gatties communications with the Board of Trade. The hon. Member's suggestions as to publicity and the procedure of the Committee of Inquiry have been conveyed to the chairman.

Mr. RAPER

In view of the unsatisfactory reply of my right hon. Friend, I beg to give notice that I shall refer to the matter on the Adjournment of the House to-day.