HC Deb 11 March 1936 vol 309 c2121
38. Mr. E. SMITH

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will hold a public inquiry into the need for the electrification of the railway system within a radius of 50 miles of Manchester?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I understand there is to be a further conference next week between representatives of the railway companies and the local authorities to discuss the development of transport facilities in the Manchester area, and I do not think that I can usefully intervene, at any rate at this stage.

Mr. SMITH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this suggested inquiry is the desire of the whole of the local authorities and other representative organisations, and in view of the fact that this is the most dense population in the world, will he consider taking action?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

A conference will take place next week, and the local authorities are parties to the conference.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman include in this conference Stoke-on-Trent, which is less than 50 miles from Manchester but not strictly in the environs of Manchester?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am not quite sure what will be the scope of this conference geographically, but I shall be only too pleased to let the right hon. and gallant Gentleman know.