§ 41. Mr. G. TERRELLasked the Minister of Transport if he can state the policy of the Government in regard to taking over privately-owned wagons; and whether he is aware that the shortage of wagons is due in many instances to the refusal of owners to repair their wagons and build new ones until they know exactly the policy of the Government and the compensation which they are to receive if the wagons are taken over?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI regret I am not yet able to make any statement regarding the acquisition of privately owned wagons. It is realised that, pending a settlement of this question, private owners are disinclined to provide new wagons, but there is no reason why repairs should be held up.
§ Mr. TERRELLIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that private owners 23 are rather afraid to undertake any repairs until they know the intentions of the Government, and is it not a matter of extreme urgency which should be dealt with at once?
§ Sir E. GEDDESIt is certainly a matter of extreme urgency, but I cannot imagine that anyone would wish to sell property which was in a faulty condition. Repairs, therefore, are not to be held up. The construction of new wagons—that I can understand.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhat is the cause of the delay in the wagon policy of the Government?
§ Sir E. GEDDESIt is in order to arrive at an economical way of managing the wagons taken over. It is a very complicated problem.
§ Mr. TERRELLWhen will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement on this matter? Will it be before the Recess?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am afraid that it will be impossible to make a statement before the Recess.