§ 97. Colonel GRETTONasked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that 976 numbers of motor lorries have been sent empty by road from Scotland and the North of England and that this practice continues; and if arrangements will be made to load these lorries with food or goods urgently required in London and the South that this waste of transport may be stopped?
§ Mr. WARDLEI have been asked by my right hon. Friend to answer this question. I am not aware that it is the practice to send empty motor lorries from Scotland and the North of England to London and the South. The Road Transport Board of the Board of Trade was recently informed that a number of new motor lorries manufactured in Glasgow for the Ministry of Munitions were not being used to their full capacity on the journey to London. Inquiry was made into the allegation, and it was found that these lorries were running fully loaded, and that the manufacturers and the Government Departments concerned were making adequate arrangements for using available space at all times.
§ Colonel GRETTONWill the hon. Gentleman also make inquiries as to motor lorries in Manchester and other places in the North of England, as well as in Scotland?
§ Mr. WARDLEI shall be glad to make inquiries.