17. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to safeguard the interests of the old-established road hauliers throughout the country, whose livelihood is at present being threatened as a result of the proposals which have been put forward by the railways to divert their normal traffic?
§ Captain WallaceI cannot accept the implication that the interests of road hauliers are threatened by proposals of the railway companies; on the contrary I hope that the effects of the rationing of petrol may be mitigated by co-operation between the hauliers and the railway companies.
Mr. De la BèreIs it not the fact that the president of the executive of one of the main line railways and the general manager of another main line railway are actively engaged in every endeavour to destroy the livelihood of the road hauliers?
§ Captain WallaceNo, Sir; I most emphatically repudiate that suggestion.
Mr. De la BèereWill the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter and really find out whether that is not the case?