§ 7. Mr. INSKIPasked how many railway trucks are in use on an average on any given day for the purpose of carrying motor vehicles to or from the Cippenham depot; and whether there are more urgent demands for railway trucks at the ports than any in connection with the Cippenham depot?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe figures are being worked out, and I hope to be in a position at an early date to send my hon. Friend the information he desires.
§ 8. Mr. INSKIPasked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any system in use by which different classes of railway traffic receive allocations of trucks in priority to each other according to their importance, respectively; whether the demands of Government Departments for trucks are subjected to any scrutiny or control by him; and whether the demands of Government Departments are in practice granted irrespective of the nature of their traffic and of the requirements of port or other public authorities?
§ Sir A. GEDDESIt is the practice of the railway companies in allocating trucks to give foodstuffs and perishable traffic first priority, coal for industrial and domestic purposes second priority, and to have regard to the nature and importance of other traffic offered to them for conveyance and to the desirability of sharing the available wagon stock fairly amongst all traders. The demands of Government Departments for trucks are subject to scrutiny and control, and trucks are not allocated to them without regard to the requirements of other traders.
§ Mr. INSKIPDoes the right hon. Gentleman give equal consideration to all classes of traffic according to capacity?
§ Sir A. GEDDESCertainly. Equal consideration is given to all classes of traffic in accordance with the priority which I have indicated.