§ 15. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has taken any steps to investigate the percentage of goods wagons in use running loaded and lying idle; whether they are only running laden or partly laden about 3 per cent. of their time; and whether, in view of the delay in the transmission of goods as well as munitions of war, he proposes to take any steps to facilitate the loading and unloading and diminish the time wasted in shunting?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Pretyman)I am afraid the statistical investigation suggested by my hon. Friend cannot be undertaken at the present time, and I am therefore unable to test the accuracy of the statement referred to in the second part of his question. Munitions of war have priority on the railways, and I have not heard of any delays in their transport; but I am afraid some delays to other traffic are unavoidable at the present time, although every effort is being made to minimise them.