Mr Arthur Neal: I cannot agree that there has been any delay in confirming the Special Order referred to. The Order was received from the Electricity Commissioners for confirmation on Saturday, 8th July, and the statutory notice of intention to confirm the Order was sent to the promoters' solicitor on Tuesday, 11th July, for publication in the local newspaper and "London Gazette." This notice appeared in the...
Mr Arthur Neal: I have been asked to answer this question. My attention has been drawn to the recommendation of the jury in the case referred to, and a representative of the Ministry of Transport was present at the inquest. From the evidence given before the coroner, it would appear that the accident was due to an error of judgment on the part of the motor cyclist. As regards the last part of the question, I...
Mr Arthur Neal: There is no foundation for that, because they do purchase side-cars.
Mr Arthur Neal: Certainly! [HON. MEMBERS "Why not!"]
Mr Arthur Neal: The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am acting in the closest co-operation with the Unemployment Grants Committee.
Mr Arthur Neal: I am informed that by an understanding between the Middlesex County Council and the contractor, the bulk of the labour required for the first section of the great west road, which lies in Hounslow, has been drawn from that district, but that in the execution of the contract which has been signed for the second section most of the labour will probably be engaged from Brentford.
Mr Arthur Neal: The Middlesex County Council are carrying out the arterial road schemes in their area with the financial assistance of the Ministry of Transport. In the event of that council desiring to proceed with any section of the north circular road which has not yet been put in hand, I shall be glad to consider, within the limits of the funds available, any application for assistance.
Mr Arthur Neal: I am advised that the, matter raised by my hon. and learned Friend's question is not one which can be dealt with by Regulation.
Mr Arthur Neal: I am aware of the importance of the subject, and. a recommendation has been received from the Committee which considered it in the sense the hon. Member desires. I am not aware, of the power he mentions.
Mr Arthur Neal: I cannot give a pledge.
Mr Arthur Neal: As the hon. and learned Member is aware, the Minister has no power over railway charges, but the provisions of the Railways Act, 1921, enable the interests concerned to appeal to the Rates Tribunal if they so wish. I have sent a copy of the hon. Member's question and my reply to the railway companies.
Mr Arthur Neal: I am not aware that any application has been made to the Rates Tribunal. My information is exactly the reverse. I cannot answer without notice a detailed question as to particular rates at particular ports.
Mr Arthur Neal: I understand that the Rates Tribunal have not yet settled the form of schedule to be submitted by the railway companies in respect of standard passenger fares. As regards workmen's fares and season tickets, I would remind my hon. Friend that under the Railways Act, 1921, they will be treated as exceptional fares and the relevant sections of the Act will apply.
Mr Arthur Neal: The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The rest of the question does not, therefore, arise.
Mr Arthur Neal: The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am in communication with the North Eastern Railway and will advise my hon. and gallant Friend of the result, but he will of course realise that with the decontrol of railways the Government powers of direction ceased.
Mr Arthur Neal: I cannot quite agree about that statement. There is a Clause in the Railways Act which does provide powers to obtain facilities much greater than have hitherto existed, but I do not think it could apply to a special case in regard to dealing exceptionally with traffic on Bank Holiday Monday.
Mr Arthur Neal: I have said that I am in communication with the railway company. The decision mist rest with them. Personally, I should be very glad if they could see their way to give facilities.
Mr Arthur Neal: I have been asked to answer this question. I have no evidence that the number of such accidents is increasing, and I do not think there is sufficient ground to justify legislative action.
Mr Arthur Neal: As I have already indicated in answer to a previous question, the statutory powers vested in the Minister are being exercised. In the same answer I also explained the scope of the information now being compiled, and I have no doubt that the Rates Tribunal will consider the necessity for further information, including that referred to by the hon. Member.
Mr Arthur Neal: I quite understand that.
