HC Deb 03 June 1924 vol 174 cc1061-2
40. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view of alleviating the congested state of traffic in the streets of London, he can give any encouragement to the establishment of a fast and regular steamboat service on the Thames?

Mr. GOSLING

I do not consider that this is a traffic problem, and am not aware of any assistance which I can give. I have always considered that the Thames is the best of all the open spaces in London, and should be so regarded. A passenger steamer service is an amenity which, in my opinion, Londoners ought to be able to enjoy, especially in the year of the Empire Exhibition.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is there anything that the hon. Gentleman can do to help out this matter in the question of tolls or in any other direction so as to encourage private enterprise to develop that which he himself admits is very necessary?

Mr. MILLS

Would the Minister of Transport consult the authorities responsible for the transport of the Thames, and also ask for the co-operation of the London County Council in view of the fact that the lower reaches of the Thames are practically unexplored?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Hear, hear!

Sir F. HALL

Is it not a fact that when the county council ran steamboats up and down the Thames it resulted in an enormous loss to the ratepayers? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, oh!"]

Mr. GOSLING

This is, of course, a London County Council matter. The last steamboat service was ruined by political effort—

Sir F. HALL

That is an unfair statement. Mr. Speaker, on a point of Order—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Gentleman himself in the form of a supplementary question put an argument of a debatable kind, and brought upon himself the retort. I must stop both hon. Members.