HC Deb 10 March 1943 vol 387 cc676-7W
Major Lyons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, having regard to the importance of flowers to the morale of a large proportion of the population and in view of the small proportion of rail transport that was involved in their conveyance, he will now consider a revision of the Order prohibiting the transportation of flowers by rail?

Mr. Noel-Baker

As I have explained in answers to other Questions, a considerable economy of transport has resulted from the Order to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I regret, therefore, that present conditions do not justify the revision of the Order.

Major Lyons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, of the 47 containers opened to date, under Statutory Rules and Orders, 1943, No. 232, all, or how many were on railway platforms or else where than in railway carriages; and what is the authority for search of luggage outside a vehicle and without a search warrant?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Twenty-two were opened in railway carriages and the rest on platforms or in parcels offices. Authority for search is conferred by Defence Regulation 88A.

Mr. Butcher

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether the ban on the carriage of flowers by road and rail is to be followed by restrictions on the transport of other goods desirable in themselves but not essential to the health of the nation or the success of the war, or whether he proposes, in the interest of equity, to remove the ban on the carriage of cut flowers?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I have not at present in mind any comparable traffic the cessation of which would achieve a substantial economy, but I shall be prepared to give consideration to any suggestion which my hon. Friend may wish to make.