Former MP for Paddington South
On the question of water transport, will the Minister devote a very short time to altering the name of these rather attractively designed river craft which ply up and down the Thames from the name "water bus"?
"Water bus" is a terrible name and one that is extremely offensive to any seaman. We do not talk of "air buses" but of "aircraft." I ask the Minister to alter the name. He might call them "river water transport" or something like that.
It is an awful name.
Would it not have been a wise precaution to have found out about the difficulties to be overcome at the outset of the scheme?
Vice-Admiral Taylor (Paddington, South) indicated dissent.
Were the Dock Labour Board informed that they were under the authority of the Emergency Committee? That is the question that was asked. If they were not, they ought to have been.
Were the strikers informed of the fake telegram?
I think the hon. Gentleman who has just spoken will agree that what the American people think of us, and especially what they think of the Socialist Government is of the utmost importance. I am of the opinion that their confidence in this country was severely shaken when the Socialist Government was returned in 1945. [Laughter.] Hon. Members laugh—but I think that is so.
