§ 46. Sir W. BRASSasked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to bringing the transport system of the whole country up to date and to stimulate employment in the heavy industries, he will consider helping the local authorities to finance schemes for the early abolition of all tramway systems in their areas with the substitution therefor of trolley omnibuses or motor omnibuses, as the local conditions warrant?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)I am not aware that substitutions of this kind are hampered by financial difficulty where they are justified on economic grounds, but in any case I should feel unable to propose that national funds should be expended on local purposes of this kind.
§ Sir W. BRASSDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise the necessity of looking ahead and of a big scheme to bring the transport system of the country up to date?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI do not think this is anything more than a local matter. If it is considered advisable to substitute this method of transport, and if it is likely to be financially sound, the local authorities will be able to do it.
§ Sir W. BRASSDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the present tramway system an efficient system for the country?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI do not think that question arises.