§ 26. Captain STRICKLANDasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of Judge Beazley at Ilford County Court, on Monday, 15th April last, to the effect that the London Passenger Transport Board was entitled to the protection of the Public Authorities Act, because it was stated to be a public authority in the London Passenger Transport Act and was not trading for profit but carrying on its business for the public benefit; and whether he is satisfied that the present and future practice of the board will entail their obtaining from outside sources essential supplies of accessories which have hitherto been furnished satisfactorily by independent companies?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMy attention has been drawn to the judgment to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. The board are free, subject to compliance 360 with Sections 6 and 21 of the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933, to purchase their supplies as they think proper in the interests of the board.
§ Captain STRICKLANDAre we to understand that, according to that decision, the London Passenger Transport Board will now be able to set up auxiliary plant for the manufacture of things other than those actually connected with the transport of passengers?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI would not like to attempt to interpret an Act of Parliament in an answer to a supplementary question, but, if my hon. and gallant Friend will write me upon the subject saying exactly what he has in mind, I will give him a considered answer.