§ 37. Viscount CURZONasked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to take any steps to eliminate any of the level crossings across the more important arterial roads wherever possible; and whether he is aware that this work would be invaluable for the relief of unemployment?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the Noble Lord on the 3rd June, regarding the assistance tendered from the Road Fund to local authorities desiring to eliminate level crossings.
§ Viscount CURZONAre the Government really in earnest in trying to provide work for the unemployed or are they not? Here is a suggestion worth examining. Why cannot they do something about it?
§ Mr. GOSLINGThere is no question of the earnestness of the Government. There is a question of the earnestness of the railway companies.
§ Viscount CURZONIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that if he could give the railway companies some assurance of earnestness, and would contribute to the cost, something might be done? At present the Government are doing nothing.
§ Colonel ASHLEYHas the hon. Gentleman made a definite over to the railways of some contribution?
§ Mr. GOSLINGNo.
§ Colonel ASHLEYWill the hon. Gentleman do so, and so bring the matter to a definite issue?
Mr. PALMERHas the hon. Gentleman any evidence of any proposal by any local authority, and, if so, will he deal with it?
§ Mr. GOSLINGUnless some proposal be put to me, I have nothing to consider.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not a fact that the Minister has no power at all over the railway companies?