§ 48. Sir Joseph Nallasked the Minister of Food to what extent his Department is employing an organisation known as Traffic Movements, Limited, for the transport of foodstuffs; whether this is confined to the traffic formerly dealt with by the constituent members of the organisation concerned or whether any specialised traffics formerly carried by other operators who have no other means of livelihood have been transferred to the new organisation; and whether his Department is endeavouring to utilise the services of persons and vehicles who by 378 long experience are best qualified to meet the requirements of specialised business?
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)The Ministry of Food is not employing Traffic Movements, Limited, in any way. All foodstuffs other than meat and livestock are being transported in the normal manner except in so far as modifications are necessitated by petrol restrictions. To supervise the transport of meat and livestock, a body known as the Wholesale Meat Transport Association has been established, but the transport of meat and livestock is not limited to the members of any association. All hauliers qualified by their past experience to carry on this business are eligible to contract for the work.
§ Sir J. NallWill the Department, as far as possible, continue to employ the smaller firms which have specialised vehicles?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir, and I will see that my hon. Friend has a copy of the advertisement which was issued to the transport papers.