§ 14. Colonel Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Minister of War Transport if he has completed his examination of the principles on which transport charges should be based; and if he is prepared to adopt the principle of equalised rates of freight charges as a means of encouraging the economic rehabilitation of the country-side and the redistribution of industry.
§ Mr. BarnesIt must not be assumed that the principle which the hon. and gallant Member recommends would have all the beneficial consequences he suggests and, in any event, a fundamental alteration of the freight charges structure could only be effected after the reorganisation of transport which the Government intend to propose.
§ Colonel Thornton-KemsleyIs the Minister aware that the Lord President of the Council informed me, in answer to a question on 1oth October last, that the right hon. Gentleman was examining this proposal? Will he endeavour to make an announcement in advance of the Government's nationalisation legislation?
§ Mr. BarnesI am certainly examining this proposal and many others, but I do not intend to anticipate my legislative proposals.