HC Deb 08 December 1943 vol 395 cc959-60
31. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the need to reduce transport charges to the minimum after the war, to put it on an efficient national basis, speed up deliveries and cut out all unnecessary overhead charges; and what action has been taken to these ends?

Mr. Noel-Baker

My Noble Friend has under active examination the complex problems of post-war transport. As he has said in another place, his objective is a transport system so co-ordinated and run that it can provide and does provide the best possible service for the least real cost to the community as a whole.

Mr. Smith

When the Minister is examining these questions will he take into consideration that the people of this country, after 20 years of the service, are determined not to be held back by the kind of people who put the supplementary to the last Question?

Mr. Mathers

Is this co-ordination to be under national ownership?

Mr. Noel-Baker

That is another question.

Mr. Neil Maclean

Is my hon. Friend considering the transport system of the Western Isles?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Everything is being considered.

Sir Herbert Williams

Can the hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that no avenue will be left unstoned?