§ 10. Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Transport what consultations took place between his Department and interested bodies before the Transport Bill was introduced.
§ Mr. BarnesI have had discussions—some of them informal—in the past few months on the subject with a number of organisations representing trade, industry, agriculture and transport. In addition many representative bodies have provided me with information about their transport requirements.
§ Sir J. MellorWill the Minister say in particular what consultations he has had with the railway companies and the road haulage interests?
§ Mr. BarnesI have had no direct negotiations on the lines suggested by the hon. Baronet, but this matter has been discussed with representative bodies in a general way.
§ Sir J. MellorIs not the right hon. Gentleman interested in the views of the railway companies and those of the road haulage interests?
§ Mr. BarnesVery much interested.
§ Major Legge-BourkeHas the right hon. Gentleman been in consultation with representatives from the horticultural industry who are particularly affected?
§ Mr. BarnesI have met agricultural representatives. I could not say whether that covered horticultural interests or not.
§ 20. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Transport how many additional appointments will be required with separate figures for men and women, to administer the proposals in the Transport Bill.
§ Mr. BarnesI am not at present able to state what, if any, net addition to existing staffs will be required.
§ Mr. LipsonWill my right hon. Friend give an assurance that on the Second Reading of the Bill he will have that information, because it is of very great importance?
§ Mr. BarnesCertainly not. I cannot indicate on the Second Reading of the Bill what staffs will be required. I cannot do that until the Commission has had an opportunity of examining the staffs.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreCould the right hon. Gentleman inform us exactly what is the target figure of the Government in regard to the strength of the Civil Service?
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentle man aware that the greatest problem we have today is the acute shortage of man power? Why add to the shortage by this addition of non-productive people?
§ Mr. BarnesI would remind the hon. Gentleman that that is just what I resisted doing in reply to this Question in refusing to anticipate a demand that at the moment is not there.