§ Mr. BAKERasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, despite the slump in trade, the existing railway system in this country is unable 1357W to carry the present traffic without considerable congestion; whether, in view of the urgent necessity for an expansion of our transport services, he has made any proposals to the railway companies for an improvement of their running roads and stocks; and whether he is doing anything to secure the adoption of new and/or alternative methods for the expeditious carriage of goods?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI have no reason to think that it is the case that the railway companies are unable to deal with the traffic which is now being offered to them, though of course occasional local and temporary congestion may occur owing to special reasons. I frequently have occasion to bring to the notice of the companies proposals for the improvement of existing conditions, but, as my hon. Friend is aware, I have no power to establish or to carry on new transport services.