§ 3.5 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT SIMONMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have taken steps to ensure that the Advisory Group appointed by the Minister of Transport to examine the structure, finance and working of the organisations controlled by the British Transport Commission in making their recommendations will take into account the need to provide effective arrangements for consultation between British Railways and coastal shipowners in regard to rates on those traffics for which coastal shipping can cater economically.]
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)My Lords, the terms of reference of the Advisory Group are wide, and they have already expressed their readiness to receive representations from interested parties. I am sure that they will take account of all relevant factors. I think it is for the Advisory Group themselves to decide upon the form and content of their advice to my right honourable friend.
§ VISCOUNT SIMONMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his reply, I cannot say that I feel very satisfied with it and I wonder whether I may ask him two questions arising out of it. Am I to understand that Her Majesty's Government are still adhering to the policy which is embodied in the Transport Act, that there should be consultation between the British Transport Commission and coastal shipping, rather than 734 cut-throat competition. And if that is still the policy, would it not be right to make this clear to the Advisory Group, so that, in any advice they give, they do not give advice which is contrary to that policy?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, in answer to my noble friend's first question, I would say that the present position as to the consultation that has to take place is a statutory one under the Transport Acts of 1947 and 1953, and any departure from that would require legislation. Therefore it is for my right honourable friend to consider, in due course, whether he should do anything about changing the position or not in the light of the advice which is given to him and of other representations which have been, and which no doubt will be, made.
§ VISCOUNT SIMONMy Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord.