§ Mr. GEORGE JONESasked the right hon. Member for Cambridge whether he is aware that the London County Council tramway system is continuous with the Middlesex County Council tramway system at Stamford Hill, and that it would be a convenience to the public to have through running at Stamford Hill; whether he is aware that for years past there has been an insistent public demand for such through running of the trams at Stamford Hill, and 36W that the London County Council and the Middlesex County Council have failed to come to an agreement, with the result that there is no such through running at Stamford Hill; whether under the Ministry of Ways and Communications Bill the Minister of Ways and Communications would have power to grant the right of through running to the London County Council and Middlesex County Council and to settle the terms thereof; and whether, if the Minister of Ways and Communications would not have the said power under the Ways and Communications Bill, he will propose an Amendment to secure such power?
§ Sir ERIC GEDDESUnder the Ministry of Ways and Communications Bill, as at present drafted, the Minister would not have the power to control the through running of trams belonging to local authorities. The Government have, however, been pressed, by hon. Members of the Committee now considering the Bill, to insert a Clause which would give to the Minister power of control over municipal tramways, and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has intimated that a Clause to this effect would have the sympathetic consideration of the Government.