HC Deb 02 March 1939 vol 344 cc1488-9W
Captain Strickland

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether all manufacturers and contactors selling goods to the Air Ministry for aerodromes and other buildings are required to accept a condition requiring the goods to be conveyed by railway; and why the Air Ministry, in making their purchases, attempt to discriminate in favour of railways against other forms of transport?

Captain Balfour

There is no condition in the contracts made by my Department requiring goods to be carried by railway.

Sir J. Lamb

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that road haulage contractors have been informed by merchants supplying materials for air defence buildings that the contracts of the Air Ministry require such materials to be conveyed by railway; and whether he confirms that this condition is contained in the contracts made by his Department?

Captain Balfour

There is no condition in the contracts made by my Department requiring stores or materials to be carried by rail.