§ 26. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Minister of Transport whether, in framing the legislation to implement the recommendations of the White Paper on Transport of Freight, she will take into consideration the need to preserve the availability of road haulage at competitive rates for seasonal trades such as the potato trade between Eastern Scotland and England which British Railways are unable to handle.
§ Mr. CarmichaelWe are satisfied that the arrangements proposed for the licensing of road goods vehicles will not reduce the quality of transport services and will ensure that the individual requirements of particular trades and consignors are fully taken into account.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a few years ago the railways offered specially favourable rates to get the seed potato trade on to the railways but that they have since proved incapable of carrying this traffic? Is not this precisely what will happen under Clause 69 of the Bill, except that the railways will not even have to offer favourable rates?
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe railways will always require to offer favourable rates. 1769 Furthermore, under the Bill presented by my right hon. Friend, the railways will need to prove to the independent licensing authority that they have sufficient rolling stock and traction engines to complete the job for which they have contracted.