asked the Minister of Transport whether in the interests of economy of packing material required for goods which are despatched by rail, he will consider making additional use of motor transport, since goods despatched by road transport do not require so much packing material to protect them?

The choice of available means of transport is primarily a matter for the consignor. In view of the necessity for economy in the use of imported fuel I should not feel justified in taking any special steps to encourage the use of road transport on the grounds suggested by my hon. Friend.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not understand that with the introduction of the convoy system most goods will now have to come from the west coast, and that unless road transport is used more effectively the whole of the supplies will be held up?

I am afraid that that does not arise on this question of packing. We are endeavouring to co-ordinate the activities of road and rail transport to the best advantage of the national economy as a whole.

In view of the extreme vulnerability of the railways, will my right hon. Friend assure the House that he will keep in mind the need for the maintenance and encouragement of road transport as an alternative?

I think that is covered by the answer I have just given to the last supplementary question.

If there is all this difficulty with road and rail transport, why not make more use of the waterways?

The use of waterways is another element in national transport which we are trying to work into a connected whole.

Is the ever-increasing importance of road transport fully realised?

The importance of road transport is fully realised.