§ Mr. RAINEasked the Minister of Transport whether be has received a resolution passed unanimously by the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, urging His Majesty's Government to appoint a commission of inquiry, independent of the Road Board and local authorities, to examine the effect of road transport competition on railway rates and to formulate a scheme, with a view to taxation for the construction, improvement, and upkeep of roads being equitably borne by all interests concerned; whether he is aware that the National Railway Wages Board, in their last award, stated that they were of opinion that the rapid growth of road motor transport constitutes a serious menace to the railway industry, and that the railway companies are placed in an unfair position to meet this competition,; whether be has received any representations from the railway companies on this subject; and whether, in view of the high cost of transport by railway, he proposes to set up such an inquiry as has been suggested?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have received certain representations on the subject from the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, and am aware of the Report of the National Railway Wages Board. As regards the last part of the question, I can only repeat what I said on the 10th March, in reply to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for the Abingdon Division (Major Glyn), to the effect that all these considerations will be taken into account in the revision of motor taxation which is now under review, but that I am not satisfied that it would be desirable at present to set up a Special Commission of Inquiry of the character suggested in the question.