Sir J. D. REESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (1) whether he has received a resolution of the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce to the effect that it views with apprehension the proposals of the railway companies to organise road transport services without contact with their rail system, believing that if such powers are obtained a position would he created which would be inimical to the best interests of the public in general and the manufacturing and commercial community in particular; whether any, and, if so, what, action has been, or will be, taken on the said resolution[...]
(2) whether he has received from the Notts and Derby Traders' Association a resolution representing that 600 manufacturers, merchants, and traders in Nottingham and district view with grave apprehension the proposals of the railway companies to organise road transport services without contact with their rail systems; that they believe that if such powers are obtained a position will be created which will be inimical to the best interests of the public in general and the manufacturing and commercial community in particular; that they therefore resolve to oppose, by deputation or otherwise, any Bill introduced into Parliament by any railway company with the object of obtaining powers to run road transport services; and, if so, what action has been or will be taken on such resolution?
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§ Mr. NEALI am unable to trace the receipt of a resolution from the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce, but I have received the resolution from the Notts and Derby Traders' Association which he summarises and many others of similar purport. The Bill is now before Parliament and will be considered by this House in the usual manner. No action prejudging any debate on the Second Reading would, I think, be permissible.