HC Deb 03 August 1922 vol 157 cc1679-80
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been called to the action of the North Eastern Railway Company in refusing to accept highly perishable fruit for goods carriage from Hull on Monday, 7th August; if he is aware that this class of goods has always been accepted up to the present time by the railway companies, and that great inconvenience would result from the discontinuance of this practice; and if he will take any action necessary to prevent the new decisions of the company from taking effect?

Mr. NEAL

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am in communication with the North Eastern Railway and will advise my hon. and gallant Friend of the result, but he will of course realise that with the decontrol of railways the Government powers of direction ceased.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when the new grouping of railways was brought into force this was one of the things that we were afraid of; and the Ministry of Transport assured us that we need have no fear of such a thing happening? Will he use his utmost exertions to prevent such a thing happening?

Mr. NEAL

I cannot quite agree about that statement. There is a Clause in the Railways Act which does provide powers to obtain facilities much greater than have hitherto existed, but I do not think it could apply to a special case in regard to dealing exceptionally with traffic on Bank Holiday Monday.

Mr. WATERSON

Is the hon. Member aware that the boats land at these docks without consideration of the fact that it is holiday time, and, seeing that this is perishable traffic, can he not in the interests of the consumers use all the powers at his disposal, and ask the North Eastern Railway Company to see that this food is transmitted?

Mr. NEAL

I have said that I am in communication with the railway company. The decision mist rest with them. Personally, I should be very glad if they could see their way to give facilities.

Mr. GRITTEN

Is it not a fact that the Ministry of Transport have no powers whatever?