§ CAPTAIN MOREINGasked the Minister of Transport what financial arrangement he has made with the railway and dock companies with reference to the use of Government motor lorries; and whether the same offer has been made to private haulage contractors?
Sir RHYS WILLIAMSIn the case of controlled railways and docks owned by controlled railways, the expenses and receipts will be treated as part of the general railway expenditure and receipts, and will, therefore, in effect, be on Government account. As stated in my answer to the hon. Member for Newcastle on the 11th instant, local port committees may let out lorries to private contractors. The rates of hire payable by haulage contractors vary in different localities, but will generally conform to the rates of hire prevailing in the district.