§ 94. Mr. Ronald Chamberlainasked the Minister of Transport whether he will request the British Transport Commission to consider the replacement of trams in South London by electric trolley buses instead of by petrol buses, with a view to reducing demands on petrol imports and on our dollar resources.
§ Mr. BarnesThe decision to replace the trams in South London by petrol buses was reached after a careful balancing of financial, traffic and other considerations, including that to which my hon. Friend draws attention. In present circumstances it has been necessary to postpone the scheme of conversion. When the time comes for the scheme to go forward, no doubt the British Transport Commission will take into account all considerations relevant in the circumstances which then obtain.
§ Captain CrookshankIs that because the British Transport Commission fear that under nationalisation there will riot be sufficient electricity.
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir. As the right hon. and gallant Member is well aware, this is a matter of the modification of schemes because of investment capital cuts.