HC Deb 03 February 1969 vol 777 c19
5. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Transport what diminution of road freights occurred in 1968 consequent upon the rail freightliners; and what estimate of further progress he has made for 1969.

Mr. Carmichael

In 1968 an estimated 500 million ton-miles of freightliner traffic was transferred from road; nevertheless, road transport ton-mileage increased in total by about 1 or 2 per cent. We expect both road and freightliner traffic to continue to develop this year and in future.

Sir G. Nabarro

As the object of the exercise is to remove suitable freights from the roads and get them on to the railways, cannot the Ministry be a little more objective, forthcoming and strenuous in its efforts?

Mr. Carmichael

While the Transport Act was proceeding through the House we stressed that the freightliner service would be a supplement rather than a direct challenge to road transport. We expect road transport to continue to grow; and the freightliner service will take only a proportion of the growth.

Mr. Manuel

Would my hon. Friend agree that the White Paper dealing with the transfer of heavy loads from road to rail made it perfectly clear that, while there would be a 10 per cent. movement from rail to road in the coming 10 years, that would not impede road traffic, the volume of which would continue to increase?

Mr. Carmichael

We tried to make that plain throughout the Committee stage of the Measure, and that is what is happening.