HC Deb 19 May 1919 vol 116 cc6-7
13. Mr. GILBERT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the railway workshops of the railway companies under the control of the Railway Executive Committee have now resumed their normal conditions; if he can make any approximate statement as to the number of new engines and carriages already supplied by them this year; and what further quantity is expected during the present year?

Sir A. GEDDES

I am making inquiry into this matter and will inform the hon. Gentleman of the result. Repair of existing stock is, however, of more immediate importance than the provision of new stock, and it is upon repair that the energies of the workshops are being primarily concentrated.

15. Mr. GILBERT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the overcrowding which exists on all forms of London traffic, he can make any arrangements by which traffic authorities or companies in London can obtain special priority for the supply of all new rolling stock they have on order and any materials they require for urgent and necessary repairs, so as to increase the supply of railway engines and carriages, tramcars, and motor omnibuses for London services?

Sir A. GEDDES

The grant of priority is not now necessary to enable transport authorities to obtain supplies of rolling stock and material on order, but I am in sympathy with the hon. Gentleman's desire, and should be happy to give any assistance in my power to any specific case of difficulty that might be brought to my notice.

Mr. GILBERT

If the railway and tube companies in London make application to the right hon. Gentleman's Department asking that orders for rolling stock shall be specially marked for priority, will the Department consider whether that shall be done?

Sir A. GEDDES

There is no power to give priority. As control is relaxed these powers which the Government has exercised during the War diminish. All the Department can do is to help if there is any difficulty in getting raw material.

7. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the President of the Board of Trade by what enactment he exercises power to restrict imports of articles of prime necessity into Great Britain?

Sir A. GEDDES

My right hon. Friend appears to be under some misapprehension. No articles of prime necessity are administratively restricted in import. Such restrictions on imports as are maintained are exercised under Proclamations issued under Section 43 of the Customs Consolidation Act, 1676. These Proclamations give power to the Board of Trade to issue licences for import.

Mr. G. LAMBERT

Is not this a very ancient weapon? Ought not Parliament to have been consulted before the Board of Trade brought it out for use in this matter?

Sir A. GEDDES

That question might perhaps have been raised when it was brought out. It is now also very ancient history that it is brought out.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is it not a fact that we generally thought these prohibitions of imports were made under the Defence of the Realm Act?

Sir A. GEDDES

I really have no knowledge what the right hon. Gentleman thought the facts were as to what was done under this Act.