§ 30. Mr. ATKEYasked the Minister of Transport whether instructions have recently been issued by the Midland Railway Company in Nottingham limiting the deliveries of goods to a radius of one and a-half miles from the great market place, and that Mr. F. Day, of 545, Mansfield Road, Nottingham, whose goods have previously been delivered, now receives advice by postcard from the Midland Railway Company intimating that parcels must be fetched from the station; and will he take steps to see that the present restriction is removed without delay?
§ 31. Mr. BETTERTONasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the action of the railway authorities at Nottingham, who have within the last few days issued an order limiting the radius within which goods will be collected or delivered to 1½miles from the market place, Nottingham; will he state by whose authority it was made; whether the interests of the locality were consulted; and whether he as aware that this action is causing indig- 600 nation, inconvenience, and loss to the traders and residents in West Bridgford, who number some 16,000 persons, and adds materially to the cost of living in this important district?
Sir R. WILLIAMSI will answer these two questions together. No alteration has been made in the radius of collection and delivery of goods traffic at Nottingham, but, owing to the introduction of the eight-hours day, it has been necessary to limit the radius for collection and delivery of parcels. If the curtailment of the delivery facilities referred to at Nottingham involves inconvenience to some sections of the community it is to be regretted, but it is, I fear, inevitable in view of the present transport difficulties.
§ Mr. BETTERTONIn view of the great importance of this question, could my hon. Friend say when the railway company will be in a position to resume their former collecting and delivery of parcels, and whether one may rely upon the hon. Gentleman giving this matter his personal attention?
Sir R. WILLIAMSI could not give the exact date, but the question will be considered very carefully and will not be overlooked.