§ 37. Mr. G. TERRELLasked the Minister of Transport whether he will make arrangements so that discretion is allowed to all railway agents to accept small consignments of livestock when wagons are available for their carriage; and whether he is aware that the present arbitrary restrictions are the cause of great irritation and loss of time and money to farmers and create a feeling of hostility to the new Ministry.
§ Mr. NEALReasonable discretion in matters of this kind is allowed to railway agents, but the governing factor is the necessity of using rolling stock to the best advantage. As the hon. Member is probably aware, livestock is conveyed in small, medium, or large wagons, and in country districts farmers often co-operate to fill a truck in cases where small consignments are concerned.
§ Mr. TERRELLWill the hon. Gentleman see that these arbitrary restrictions are modified and that in these country districts local agents are given authority to accept small consignments?
§ Mr. NEALAll these questions as to the detailed working of railways are matters for the railway companies themselves. It is quite impossible, and I do not think that the House would wish it if it were possible, that the Minister of Transport should attempt to deal with all these details as to the working of the railway system.
§ Mr. TERRELLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a regulation which has been introduced since the railways came under the control of the Government?
§ Mr. NEALThere is no regulation of which I am aware made by the Minister of Transport, which has the effect which my hon. Friend indicates.