HC Deb 22 May 1919 vol 116 cc553-4
38. Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER- SHEE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has power to compel the London County Council to provide open summer trailer cars behind their tramcars with a view to decreasing the congestion prevailing at the present time?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

My right hon. Friend has no power to compel the London County Council to run open trailer cars. The council have been authorised by Parliament to run trailer cars on certain routes, and, as the hon. and gallant Member will be aware, do, in fact, run them.

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

Can the hon. Gentleman make representations to the London County Council that the number of these cars is nothing like sufficient, and request them to furnish more?

Sir F. HALL

Is it not a fact that it was only after considerable trouble with the police authorities that authority was given for running any of these trailer cars at all, and is he aware that the police try to hold them up?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

That has nothing to do with the Board of Trade. As I have said, there is no power to compel the London County Council to run trailers, but, of course, I can make representations if my hon. Friend wishes.