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TRADERS CRITICIZED IN LORDS

11th December 1964
Page 31
Page 31, 11th December 1964 — TRADERS CRITICIZED IN LORDS
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

THERE was Government criticism last 1 week of traders who used their own vehicles or road hauliers to carry their goods for most of the year, and then expected the railways to take their peak traffic for only two or three weeks. "I do not think it is fair ", commented Lord Lindgren, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, during a House of Lords discussion.

From his own experience as a railwayman he said he knew that some traders did this, and he had some sympathy with the Railways Board, whose first duty was to satisfy their regular customers. He did not think it unreasonable for the Railways Board in these circumstances to say they could not supply wagons because it meant they were standing and deteriorating in a siding for the rest of the year. Lord Lindgren was replying to the Earl of Kinnoull, who had urged the Railways Board to reconsider the reduction of the wagon fleet in view of the serious delay and loss of traffic caused by this policy in recent months. Many firms which relied exclusively on the rail freight service considered that if nothing was done to correct the situation their trade might well be jeopardized, said Lord Kinnoull. He spoke of a serious weakness in the 1962 Transport Act—that Parliament and the Minister had no power to Prevent the withdrawal and closure of freight services, even if it was against the public interest.

Replying, Lord Lindgren said it was a long-established practice that Ministers had no responsibility for the day-to-day management of nationalized boards, which must have commercial freedom and independence. The railways' wagon fleet had been excessive, much too big for the normal regular traffic for which the Board had to cater. The Board was doing its best to meet the demands of its regular customers. Lord Lindgren said he would call the Board's attention to what had been said.

A LOOK AT NATIONALIZED TRANSPORT

THE Minister of Transport is looking into the nationalized transport undertakings' powers of manufacture and pro

duction. 'ibis was revealed last week, when Mr. Fraser was asked to encourage the undertakings to develop these services to meet their own needs and to share in the competitive" market at home and abroad.

The Minister pointed out that powers of manufacture and production were restricted by statute and in other ways, and added: "I am at present considering how their needs in this respect can best be met."


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