HC Deb 22 February 1927 vol 202 cc1569-70
41. Mr. W. BAKER

asked the Minister of Transport what action he has taken or proposes to take regarding smoke from steam vehicles?

Colonel ASHLEY

I am considering this question in connection with the Bill' for the regulation of traffic on roads.

Colonel DAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the steam wagons going through London are a perfect scandal?

Colonel ASHLEY

I think primarily that is a matter for the police.

Mr. BECKETT

Has the right hon. Gentleman ever sat on the top of a motor omnibus anywhere near one of these steam vehicles?

cumstances rendered the results unrepresentative.

On the 1st February, 1927, the percentage addition to railway rates was advanced from approximately 50 to 60 per cent. over the pre-War level.

No information is available in my Department showing the carriage charges in respect of traffic conveyed by road or canal.

The figures for Question 40 are as follow:

The provisional figures of freight traffic carried by rail and canal during the year 1926, and the percentage increases or decreases compared with 1921 and 1913, are as follow:

Mr. MARCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Home Secretary, in order to get the police busy on this job, as it is getting a perfect nuisance?

Colonel ASHLEY

Yes, I ought to have mentioned that I am in communication with the Home Secretary on this very subject.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I raised this matter here a year ago, and the right hon. Gentleman has done nothing.