1. Lieut-Colonel W. GUINNESSasked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state what number of railway engines, carriages, and trucks, respectively, were removed from British railways and sent abroad during the War; and what steps have been taken to replace them?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)The rolling stock transferred from British railways and sent abroad during the War comprises 528 locomotives, 30,021 wagons, thirty-one ambulance trains, and sixteen other trains. Such of this material as is surplus to present requirements abroad is being returned to England as rapidly as available transport facilities permit. Four hundred and thirty-nine locomotives, 3,000 wagons, and thirteen other trains have already been returned.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGCan the right hon. Gentleman state whether it is proposed that all this rolling stock should be returned, or whether it is to be disposed of abroad?
§ Mr. FORSTERPerhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that.
§ Mr. MARSHALL STEVENSMay I ask why the right hon. Gentleman has not obtained a sufficient number of privately-owned wagons to make up the shortage due to the railway companies' wagons having been sent to France?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must give notice of that question.