HC Deb 03 November 1943 vol 393 c658
43. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that before the outbreak of war the policy of some railway companies was to concentrate the construction and repair of locomotives increasingly on their larger workshops; and whether he will take steps while the railways are under Government control to see that post-war planning shall not be allowed so to allocate future work as to reduce townships in which the railway companies have hitherto operated to derelict areas?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am glad to assure my hon. Friend that, in the preparation of post-war plans, the considerations to which he draws attention will not be overlooked.

Mr. Davies

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that when railway companies opened their workshops small townships grew around them and that it would be wise to bear this in mind if the tendencies of the railway companies in peace-time are to be pursued?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I fully realise the importance of my hon. Friend's point.

Mr. Davies

Will my hon. Friend remember the township of Horwich, Lancashire, in this connection?