HC Deb 22 December 1919 vol 123 c988
30. Mr. D. HERBERT

asked the Minister of Transport whether the congestion at the collieries and docks could be greatly relieved by running freight trains on Sundays when the lines are comparatively free of other traffic; whether such trains could be run with scarcely any additional labour beyond that of the drivers and others in charge of such trains; and whether he will consider the advisability of appealing to railwaymen to volunteer for this work to assist the country in the present emergency?

Sir E. GEDDES

It is a customary railway practice to run freight trains on Sundays, and therefore the third part of the question does not arise. As regards the second part, it should be remembered that the running of trains means the employment of signalmen and terminal staff, as well as train staff.