§ 51. Mr. Remerasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that every application for running commercial vehicles by road haulage contractors is being opposed by the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company, and that in most cases the Commissioner is refusing these licences; and, as the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company have been on many occasions unable to supply main-line trucks for the convenience of traders, and that, therefore, serious delay and inconvenience has been caused, will he introduce legislation with a view to preventing such hindrances to trade in future?
Captain HudsonMy information does not accord with the statements made in the question, but if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to make inquiries.
§ Mr. RemerIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that in Manchester it is impossible on several days to get mainline trucks from the railway companies at the same time that they are opposing all applications for road vehicle licences?
Captain HudsonThe position is rather complicated, and I understand that the case is not as stated. Therefore, I want more information.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsIs it not the case that traders are put to enormous expense through the fact that the railway companies oppose in a great many unnecessary cases, and cannot my hon. and gallant Friend use his influence with the railway companies not to pursue this dog-in-the-manger policy much longer?