HC Deb 02 November 1932 vol 269 cc1770-1
25. Sir BASIL PETO

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the first 41 weeks of this year gross railway revenues in this country have fallen by £11,500,000 as compared with the same period last year, following continuous heavy losses of traffic in the two preceding years; and whether he therefore proposes to introduce legislation early in the next Session of Parliament to carry out the recommendations of the Salter Conference>

Mr. PYBUS

I am aware that the figures published by the four amalgamated railway companies are in accordance with the statement contained in the first part of this question. As regards the second part, I am not in a position to add to the answer which I gave on 20th October to the hon. Member for the South Salford Division (Mr. Stourton), and of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Sir B. PETO

My hon. Friend has referred me to an answer to a question. I have already noted that question and I heard his answer, but I maintain that it does not answer my question. I want to know if we can have an assurance that, before the end of the Session, we shall have a statement with regard to what the Government intend to do to meet the situation?

Mr. PYBUS

I gave this House a definite undertaking that the local authorities, as well as other interested parties, would have their evidence and observations on the report fully considered. The last date for sending in those observations being the end of October, and to-day being the 2nd of November, I do not think I can make any declaration and at the same time carry out my undertaking.

Sir B. PETO

Cannot the Government sufficiently investigate the matter before the end of the Session?

Mr. PYBUS

I cannot answer that question.

Mr. THORNE

Is the Minister not aware that the great diminution in goods traffic is due to the Government's tariff policy? [Interruption.]