HC Deb 09 May 1956 vol 552 c1216
49. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will make a statement on the result of the recent offer for sale of the meat haulage section of the British Transport Commission.

Mr. Watkinson

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a similar Question by the hon. Member for Canterbury (Mr. L. Thomas) on 2nd May.

Mr. Davies

Will not the Minister now accept the fact that this meat unit has been twice put up for sale and the only prospective purchaser has been a fishmonger? Having failed to sell the unit, will he accept that it cannot be sold and that the British Road Services are quite capable of continuing to operate it? Will he cease attempting to dispose of it?

Mr. Watkinson

I have no intention of again offering the meat unit, as I told the House when we discussed the Bill. It will now be formed into a company.

Mr. Davies

But will it be offered as a company? Cannot the Minister accept the fact that there are no suitable purchasers for this organisation, and that it is better left with British Road Services?

Mr. Watkinson

That is another question.