§ 93. Mr. RAPERasked whether, in view of his predecessor's statement in this House, on 15th May, 1918, with reference to the Gattie scheme, he will state what were the terms of his offer to arrange for practical experiments of the scheme in question to be carried out; to whom this offer was made; and will he place upon the Table of the House all documents in connection with this offer?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe offer by the late President of the Board of Trade to which the hon. Member refers was a verbal one to the effect that he would endeavour to make an arrangement with one of the railway companies for a practical trial of Mr. Gattie's device on a small scale under conditions where there could be no interference with traffic. It was made to the then hon. Member for Haggerston.
§ Mr. RAPERWill the hon. Gentleman have the document placed upon the Table of the House, because there is a strong feeling that there should be an impartial inquiry?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANWe are aware of that, but if the hon. Member will state exactly what he wants me to ascertain I will do my best.
§ Sir F. LOWEIs it not a fact that the Government refused to accept the offer of a demonstration on a much larger scale?
Sir F. HALLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Gattie people are prepared to give a much larger demonstration, providing that the Treasury will grant the facilities recommended by the Select Committee on Transport, and will he say why the Government are not prepared to grant those facilities?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI think that question must be put to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.