Mr. T. THOMSON (by Private Notice)asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that, notwithstanding repeated representations during the last nine months of the serious lack of transport facilities on the North-East Coast, the present iron and steel stocks on Tees-side exceed 67,000 tons as compared with 31,000 tons at the end of June, and what steps are being taken to relieve this most serious position of affairs?
§ Mr. NEALFrom information which has been furnished to me the figure given by the hon. Member as regards the iron and steel stocks in the Tees area appear to he approximately correct. With reference to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Minister of Transport yesterday as to his proposed conference with Members.
§ Colonel P. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that three or four works on Tees-side have been standing, that men have thus been thrown out of employment, and very considerable distress in the district arisen in consequence; cannot the Ministry take some steps to remedy the shortage of wagons?
§ Mr. NEALI am aware that some unemployment has arisen in the sense indicated by the hon. and gallant Gentleman. The Ministry of Transport are taking all available means to deal with the situation.
§ Sir N. GRIFFITHSIs my hon. Friend aware that the position to-day is even worse than that stated by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Middles-brough, and will he cause further inquiries—telegraphic inquiries—to be made before to-morrow's meeting?
§ Mr. NEALI shall certainly take care that every possible information is available for hon. Members at the meeting tomorrow.