§ 12. Lieut.-Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Pre- 587 sident of the Board of Trade whether great injury to the trade of the country is being caused by the delay of the railway companies in handling goods for transmission; whether this delay is due to the unwillingness of the directorate to provide adequate staff to handle the goods; and whether, in order to safeguard the interests, of both the workmen and the commercial community, the Government will secure the representation of both these interests on the Railway Executive?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAs regards the first part of this question, I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer given to the question which he asked on this subject on the 29th May. Delays on the railways are not, I think, in any way due to unwillingness on the part of the railway companies to provide adequate staff, and I do not think any useful purpose would be served by altering the constitution of the Railway Executive Committee in the manner proposed. I may add that the difficulties affecting railway transport are under the immediate and direct consideration of the Government.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill consideration be given to the handling of fish on the railways?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThat is one of the questions being carefully inquired into.