HC Deb 15 December 1919 vol 123 c8
20. Mr. FORREST

asked the Minister of Transport how, in view of the shortcomings of motor-lorry transport, he proposes to deal with the still-continuing congestion at the docks?

Mr. NEAL

I am unable to add to the very full statement which my right hon Friend the Minister of Transport made to Members of this House on Wednesday last regarding the congestion at docks, and the position of railways which reacts on the docks.

Sir A. YEO

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that many of the lorries in the docks have never done a day's work since they were put there?

Mr. NEAL

I am not aware—

Sir A. YEO

Then look into it!

Mr. BILLING

Does not the mistake lie in the administration of the lorries rather than in the lorries themselves [...] Would the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of putting the service out to public tender?

Mr. NEAL

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport said here on Friday that the lorry question was unsatisfactory, and that the auxiliary lorries were to be withdrawn from all except two ports.