§ 2.38 p.m.
§ LORD AMMONMy Loris, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government—
§ (1) if there has been a noticeable increase in the amount of freight carried on the canals of Britain since fuel oil rationing commenced; and
§ (2) what steps, if any, are being taken to increase the amount of freight carried by rivers and canals with a view in particular to relieving the roads of heavy traffic.]
515LORD HAWKEMy Lords, although the fuel shortage has naturally reduced some normal forms of traffic on the canals, in particular petroleum, there have been useful increases of traffic in other commodities, especially coal. The total tonnage carried in February was 9 per cent. more than in February of last year. Since the restriction of fuel supplies began, trade and industry generally and the regional transport commissioners have been kept closely informed of available carrying capacity on the inland waterways.
§ LORD AMMONMy Lords, is a committee actually in being and at work?
§ LORD AMMONYes, but is there any idea when they are likely to present a report?
LORD HAWKEI am afraid that I cannot forecast when they are likely to report. They are actively engaged.
§ THE EARL OF LUCANMy Lords, could the noble Lord say whether there is any indication of how much of the increase of traffic is likely to be permanent?
LORD HAWKEI am afraid it would be quite impossible to make such an estimate; it would be a pure guess.
§ LORD AMMONI gather from the reply that some traffic not normally going on the waterways has been diverted there during the recent trouble. What has been done to endeavour to keep that position?
LORD HAWKEThe inland waterways are very active in putting before the various users the services they have to offer, but in the last resort it is consumer choice that determines the method by which traffic is carried.