BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1928, Page 2

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

BILL BEFORE COMMONS. Australian Press Association & Sun.l LONDON, Feh. 28. The House of Commons opened a two days’ debate on a Bill promoted by the five big railways, giving them powers to run motor services of passengers and goods in opposition to road transport companies. Mr J. G. Lamb, K.C.. in moving the rejection of the Bill, said the railways already had 35.000 vehicles on tke road, of which 4000 were motor vehicles. He objected to giving them power enabling them to embark in an entirely new business. He believed the existing competition ensured lower charges to tanners and otaet producers. Mr A. C. N. Dixie (Conservative), in seconding its rejection, said the Bill would give the companies power to squeeze out every small motor omnibus company. Bather than give the railways a monopoly, lie would prefer to see the railways nationalised. Mr Edward C. Grenfell (Conservative) said the question was whether the railways should be prevented Irom competing with road transport companies, who at present bad a stranglehold upon the railwa.vs. He repudiated the idea that the Bill would enable the railways to establish a monopoly. Sir li. Sanders said the rai!wa>s had a prima facie ease which should he referred to a commit lee lor investigation. The lear o! the agriculturists. that if the railways got these cowers the rates would go up. wax unfounded. Air .T. Bromley (Labour) earnest lv supported the Bill. The railway employees were meeting the unregulated competition of men who were driving ramshackle vehicles on the road at wages as low as 30s to 3-is per week.