§ 21. Mr. WATERSONasked whether 17th October to 25th October were the only dates for many weeks household coal was allowed to be borne by rail into the Eastern counties; and, if so, owing to the hardship involved to consumers, will he arrange for better facilities into that area during these winter months owing to the shortage there?
§ Sir E. GEDDESOwing to the congestion caused by the strike, and also to the heavy general traffic, the conveyance of household coal to the Eastern counties was stopped for certain periods up to the 20th November, but since that date the railway company concerned has been working coal forward, and they anticipate that they will be able to deliver all that is needed during the winter.
§ Mr. WATERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that before the dates stated in the question there was a great lack of coal transport facilities in this area which originated before the strike, and the strike was, in reality, no excuse?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI have no particular knowledge of that, but I would not dissent from it. I should think it probably was so, but every possible step is being taken to pat it right.
§ Mr. CLOUGHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many working men living in the Eastern counties miles away from a railway station have been unable to get any coal for months; that this is inflicting a great hardship; and will the right hon. Gentleman organise road transport so that these people may get coal?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI hardly think it practicable to consider the question of coal transport by road, but the whole matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. CLOUGHCould the right hon. Gentleman not organise transport from the stations to these distant villages?
§ Sir E. GEDDESNo, Sir. It is not intended to start miscellaneous road transport of that kind.