HC Deb 06 July 1955 vol 543 cc1110-1
20. Mr. Holt

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will introduce legislation to speed up the machinery for the consideration of the draft charges schemes which are submitted from time to time by the British Transport Commission to the Transport Tribunal under Section 76 of the Transport Act, 1947.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No, Sir.

Mr. Holt

Is the Minister satisfied with the speed of the machinery, when it is borne in mind that the hearing of the draft charges scheme for merchandise goods which was published by the British Transport Commission on 21st March will not, in fact, be before the Transport Tribunal before October? In view of the urgency of this matter, is the Minister satisfied about the time lag?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

It is extremely important in matters such as this very Comprehensive charges scheme that all the interests concerned should have a right to put their views to the Tribunal, and I should hesitate very much before curtailing that right. If the hon. Member will consult Section 23 of the Transport Act, 1953, he will find that there is provision for emergency procedure.