71. Captain TUDOR-REESasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give any specific instances of improvement in the transport services of the country as a result of the operations of his Ministry?
§ Sir E. GEDDESIt is not possible within the limits of question and answer to cover satisfactorily the wide scope of the hon. and gallant Member's question, but the following instances may be mentioned. In spite of depleted resources and serious dislocation due to the War vastly greater goods and passenger traffic has been carried than ever before in the history of the railways of this country, and the increase in charge to the public is far below the ratio of increase of commodities and labour in the country and also below the increase of rail charges in other European countries generally. Great and progressive improvement in the roads of the country has been and is being accomplished to the advantage of road transport. As regards the ports of the country and the storage accommodation available throughout, very marked improvement has been effected. In these and many other directions the Ministry of Transport, in co-operation with other agencies, has played a valuable part.
§ Colonel MILDMAYIs not some credit due to the railway companies in the matter?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI have said that in many directions the Ministry has cooperated with other agencies, and that statement includes the railway companies.
Sir F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great congestion there is still in the streets of London? What steps, if any, are being taken to deal with slow-moving traffic, as recommended by the Select Committee on Transport?
§ Sir E. GEDDESAs soon as the position is made clear regarding the new legislation which it is proposed to introduce, for the creation of a London Traffic Authority, it will help matters. In the meantime, temporary measures have been taken, and, I am told, have made a material improvement.
§ Sir E. GEDDESI cannot answer that question.