§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to make an order prohibiting the transit of plants in flower-pots by rail; if so, whether such an order will entail serious hardship on people engaged in flower-pot making, and on nurserymen; and whether he will give the matter very careful consideration before sanctioning such an order?
§ Mr. NEALIt is not proposed to make any such order. The railway companies have, however, given notice that, as from the 1st July, 1920, plants in soil for conveyance by rail, other than in truck-loads, will only be accepted if packed in substantial crates or wooden boxes admitting of traffic being loaded on the top of them. It is essential that the luggage van capacity should be utilised as fully as possible, and this cannot be done if plants are conveyed in shallow boxes without any form of protection. I may add that the railway companies contemplated bringing this regulation into operation on the 1st March last, but postponed action for three months, with a view to affording the traders an opportunity of finding some solution of the difficulty, but I understand they have been unable to make any practicable proposals.