HC Deb 03 December 1919 vol 122 cc407-8
102. Mr. HAYDAY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether, in view of the scarcity of wagons, he could state how many wagons were on order from manufacturers; and whether he was aware that wagon manufacturing works were working short time?

Mr. NEAL

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given in reply to the hon. Member for Macclesfield on 20th November. I am making further inquiries as to any unused wagon-manufacturing capacity, but I am not in a position to make any statement.

Mr. W. THORNE

Have the Government any intention of building wagons in their own Departments such as the Arsenal, and in other parts of the country, so as to speed up the provision of wagons?

Mr. NEAL

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question on the Paper.

Major GREAME

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that nearly all the manufacturers are at present short of orders?

Mr. NEAL

The whole question is being given most careful attention, and I hope it will be dealt with at an early date.

Major GREAME

Is not the practical way to see that the railway companies place orders, so that the shortage maybe overcome?

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