HC Deb 12 July 1920 vol 131 c1931
16. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the city of Cincinnati, United States of America, has adopted the method of containers, which was the basis of the Gattie system, for all the seven railway systems entering that city; and whether he will in due course have inquiries made as to whether this method results in the advantages claimed on its behalf?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Sir Eric Geddes)

I am having inquiries made as to the circumstances under which removable truck bodies are in use in Cincinnati, United States of America, and as to the results obtained. I would remind the hon. Member that containers are already used in this country in instances in which experience shows them to be practicable and desirable, and I would refer him to the Report of the Departmental Committee, dated the 16th December, 1919, for information as to the extent to which the use of containers forms part of Mr. Gattie's proposals.

Mr. WATERSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these containers belong to private companies, and will he adopt that principle as being practical?

Sir E. GEDDES

I am not aware of what is done in Cincinnati.