§ 66. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the London and North Eastern Railway Company are attempting to enforce regulations for the control of road vehicles collecting fruit and vegetables from the riverside quay at Hull, under which road vehicles are prohibited from collecting this perishable merchandise except between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., from Monday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday; if he is aware that it is often impossible for importers to get their perishable goods away by rail during the ordinary working hours and that, if they are prevented from using road vehicles, this important trade will be seriously handicapped, especially during the summer months and whether he will use his good offices to prevent this restriction?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONThe railway company inform me that in order to secure satisfactory working of the dock it is essential that there should be a definite closing time, and that they have accordingly made a regulation to the effect that the collection or delivery of traffic by road vehicles is to be confined to the ordinary dock working hours except by special permission of the company. The company have assured me that they will always be prepared to give consideration to a request for special terms in any case of genuine hardship.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Member aware that the effect of this restriction is an attempt to confine this traffic solely to the railway services, which are inadequate, and will he ask his officers to watch this development and see that it is not extended?
§ Mr. MORRISONThat is, of course, a possible consideration in the mind of the railway company, and that aspect of the matter is not absent from the mind of the Department.