HC Deb 09 February 1944 vol 396 c1784W
Mr. Etherton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the reason for the Emergency Powers (Defence) Railways Order (S.R. & O., No. 72, of 1944) under which the railway companies are relieved of their obligations as common carriers.

Mr. Noel-Baker

As my hon. Friend is aware, the pressure on the transport system is at present heavy and its capacity must, therefore, be used to the best advantage. To this end we must allocate traffic to the most appropriate means of transport, and we must restrict the acceptance of traffic which would cause congestion and delay. Statutory Rule and Order No. 72 accordingly relieves the railways of the obligation to carry goods which my Department have designated as goods which should not be carried by rail.