Report of Transport Advisory Council.

August Bank Holiday sees passenger movement on the Home railways at its height. For some weeks past, business has been much brisker on both the passenger and freight sides, and one and all are now looking forward to a return of the old-time prosperity. This optimistic outlook is given further strength thanks to the recent favourable report of the ‘Transport Advisory Council on the railways’ claim for a “square deal.”

It is the view of the Council that a material relaxation of the present statutory control is necessary to assist the railways in overcoming their difficulties. The main concession recommended is that, subject to certain safe-guards, the railways shall be entitled to make such reasonable conveyance rates as they think fit. The existing cumbersome rating system is to be discarded, and a much more elastic and business-like arrangement instituted in its place. It is understood that the Government accept in principle the Council's recommendations, and specific changes in the law involved having received due consideration, suitable legislation will be introduced as soon as possible. The new arrangements will probably be of a temporary character, to cover a transitional period of not more than five years, or such shorter period as may be necessary to establish a degree of co-ordination which will avoid over-lapping of services and uneconomic competition.