§ 31. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Transport whether, in connection with the Railway Bills now before Parliament, the Government is taking steps to ensure the full maintenance of the road transport of food, raw materials, and other essentials in the event of disputes in other industries?
§ Colonel ASHLEYUnder the Emergency Powers Act, 1920, the Government is vested with powers to take whatever steps appear to them to be necessary in order to ensure the transport of goods which are essential to the life of the community during an industrial dispute, and I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the fact that one of the clauses in the Road Transport Bills promoted by the railway companies expressly provides that nothing in the provisions of those Bills shall limit the operation of any provisions of the General Law or any Regulations made thereunder applicable to vehicles used on the highways.
§ Mr. HURDHave any communications reached the right hon. and gallant Gentleman from those concerned in railway transport on this matter, in relation to the Bills now before the House?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNot on this particular point.