§ 13. Mr. Bessellasked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the British Railways Board not to enter into exclusive contracts for the sale of disused sleepers to large companies, thus depriving small farmers and others of the right to purchase these sleepers at goods depôts.
§ Mr. SwinglerNo, Sir.
§ Mr. BessellIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a great many small farmers are suffering considerable hardship as a result of the decision of the British Railways Board to sell disused sleepers to one large contracting company which is making a considerable profit which does not benefit British Railways and has the effect of causing real hardship to farmers who have depended on this source of supply for many years?
§ Mr. SwinglerI am sorry, but this is a commercial decision for the Board, which has decided to sell disused sleepers en bloc by negotiation from its headquarters rather than on a local basis. I believe that the hon. Gentleman has taken up the matter with the Board. It is one which must be argued with the management of British Railways.
§ Mr. HamlingWould my hon. Friend care to sell some of the disused sleepers on the Opposition benches?