HC Deb 18 August 1919 vol 119 cc1887-8
11. Mr. GILBERT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the great shortage of railway wagons in the Port of London; whether he is aware that this shortage is causing grave congestion at the London docks, as it is making it impossible to get goods cleared after arrival in the port; and will he urge on the Railway Executive Committee the importance of the matter and see if, by obtaining wagons from France or elsewhere, something can be done to relieve the present situation?

Sir A. GEDDES

I am aware that there is at present considerable congestion in the Port of London, as well as at other ports, and that the difficulty of obtaining an adequate supply of railway wagons is one of the factors in the situation. The Railway Executive Committee and other authorities and Departments concerned are doing all that is possible to improve matters, and wagons are now being brought back from abroad.

Mr. GILBERT

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what number of wagons have been brought back from France up to now, and what numbers will be brought back in. the immediate future?

Sir A. GEDDES

No, Sir. I shall require notice of that question. I shall be pleased to communicate the facts to my hon. Friend.

Lieut.-Colonel THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether there has been any speeding up in the making of wagons? Is he aware that there are 80,000 wagons short, and have been for a long time? Are the wagon-makers working at full speed, and could not some of the Government Departments start making wagons and find work for a great many men who are out of work?

Sir A. GEDDES

Wagons are being made by the Government. I understand that all those wagon-makers who make wagons of the type required by railways are fully employed.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is it not a fact that railway material is being sent from France to South Africa?

Sir A. GEDDES

Yes. I understand that there is some railway material from France being sent to South Africa. There is a good deal of railway material in France which could not be used in this country.