§ Mr. Max AitkenI beg to ask leave to present a Petition -signed by 145,000 persons principally residing in the Metropolitant area, asking that proposals for the nationalisation of transport may be re- 1356 jected. The petitioners draw attention to the expansion of road transport under present arrangements, and claim that its growth and efficiency are due to the initiative and enterprise of the persons heretofore engaged in the industry. They fear that nationalisation of road transport may cause a serious loss of efficiency and will result in unnecessary cost. The Petition concludes with the following Prayer:
Wherefore, your Petitioners pray that the proposals for the nationalisation of road transport may be rejected.
§ Sir Arnold GridleyI beg to ask leave to present a humble Petition signed by over 17,000 members of 28 Chambers of Commerce, users of transport. They express strong objection to the proposals for the nationalisation of transport, which will restrict freedom of choice by traders in the matter of transport facilities, and deny the rights of the users of transport to carry their goods without restriction under C licences. They state that there has been no evidence from industry and commerce in favour of the Measure now before Parliament. The Petition concludes with the following Prayer:
Wherefore your Petitioner s humbly pray your honourable House to reject the Transport Bill which threatens disaster to industry.Petitions to lie upon the Table.