Road Transport Activities in Parliament Petrol from British Coal.
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TTPON an inquiry as to whether any U trial had been made by the mechanized units, or Royal Army Service Corps, or other petrol-using forces of His Majesty's Army with petrol distilled from British coal, Mr. T. Shaw, Secretary of State for War, stated that certain limited trials had taken place. So far, however, the experience gained had not been sufficient to enable any definite opinion to be expressed as to whether this type of petrol would be satisfactory for general Army purposes. Trials were continuing.
Road-improvement Schemes.
IT is officially stated that 42 men are at present engaged upon the construction of that portion of the Bath Road which lies between the Great West Road and Colnbrook, and it is estimated that the work involved will provide 4,116 men months of direct employment. The estimated cost of this portion of the scheme is £171,500, of which about £42,000 represents the probable cost of the acquisition of land and compensation, Since June 1st, 1929, the Ministry of Transport has approved in the county of Somerset 118. road-improvement schemes, estimated to cost £401;983, whilst, in addition, five schemes, est. mnted to cost £371,416, have been approved in Principle.
Appointment of Traffic Commissioners.
ON a motion for adjournment last week Mr. Longbottom raised the question of the appointment as Traffic Commissioners of six men who, according to the Minister of Transport, had pensions ranging from £395 to £833 per annum. Ho protested against the procedure which had been followed and entreated the Minister in future appointments to observe the principles of Socialism and see that no more old-age pensioners would be put into positions of this description.
Mr. Morrison pointed out that one of the principles of Socialism was that in filling public appointments the Government should not fill them in the spirit of putting somebody into a job. The final responsibility in making the appointments was entirely his and he accepted it.
He proceeded to justify the appointments on the ground of taking advantage in a new organization of the experience of the old. Special experience was necessary, and he believed that what he had done in regard to those appoint ments was right. If he were again faced with the same circumstances he would be compelled to do the same.
London Coach Services.
iur H. COLMAN drew Mr. Morrison's .1V_Latteution to the fact that many coach companies with London termini, and tourist agencies arranging London itineraries for their clients were being inconvenienced by no decision having been reached with regard to the suggested restriction of motor coaches in London streets.
Mr. Morrison said he had received representations from coach companies and tourist agencies to the effect indicated, but he was not in a position to make any statement on the subject, as the parties referred to had taken proceedings in the High Court and the case was at present sub judice.