§ 43. Captain Pilkingtonasked the Minister of Transpont what steps he is taking to compel large bulk commodities to be conveyed by rail and not by road whenever practicable, and to ensure that slow-moving vehicles carrying such large bulk commodities periodically pull into lay-byes in order to let the accumulated traffic behind them get by.
§ Mr. MarplesApart from certain controls on the movement of abnormal loads by road, it is the Government's policy not to restrict freedom of choice between the different means of transport.
As regards the latter part of the Question, this is to a large extent already accepted practice. It is not a matter which could easily be dealt with by regulation.
§ Mr. MellishDoes the Minister realise that the time is fast approaching when, in spite of party political prejudice on the benches opposite, he will be compelled to adopt such legislation?
§ Mr. MarplesThe paint is that if one starts telling industry that it must use a mode of transport which is inconvenient and more expensive, we shall be handicapping the export trade.