HC Deb 14 July 1952 vol 503 c1795
31. Mr. Grimond

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation this Session to reduce and equalise freight charges in the North of Scotland.

The Minister of Transport (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)

No. Sir. It is not the intention of Her Majesty's Government to introduce any legislative proposals this Session with regard to transport charges other than those contained in the Transport Bill.

Mr. Grimond

As the whole transport policy of the Government is now under discussion, may I ask whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to deal with this matter at the same time as they bring in the changes in transport?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As the hon. Gentleman knows, this is a question for the Transport Commission. If there are those, in Scotland or elsewhere, who feel that owing to the remoteness of their homes they have disproportionate difficulties with regard to freight charges, it is up to them to approach the Transport Commission before any freight scheme appears.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Minister aware that the Transport Commission was encouraged to or did set up, or said it set up, a committee to examine this question? Has he any knowledge whether that committee has ever been considered?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes, Sir. No doubt the right hon. Gentleman has forgotten that the Cameron Committee reported and that they recognised that their two main recommendations were for consideration by the Commission.