§ 72. Sir ASSHETON POWNALLasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the position of the railway services as shown by the recent reports of the London, Midland, and Scottish and London and North Eastern Railway Companies; and what action the Government intends to take to enable the railway companies to meet the competition of heavy road transport?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Pybus)I have seen the reports of the railway companies to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, and as he is aware the four amalgamated railway companies have jointly made representations to me with respect to the competition of heavy road transport. I have these representations under consideration, but I am not in a position to make a statement on the subject.
§ Sir A. POWNALLCan my hon. Friend say how long it will take before he can state definitely what the policy of the Government will be, in view of the gravity of the position as shown by these reports?
§ Mr. PYBUSI am very anxious to consider the situation, but I am not at present in a position to give any undertaking.
§ Captain HAROLD BALFOURWill the hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive any representations from the heavy road transport interests?
§ Mr. PYBUSI hope I shall succeed in dealing equally with the representations of all interested parties.