§ 96. Mr. INSKIPasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the increasing congestion of the port of Avonmouth, and that on 16th July the number of empty open trucks in Avon-mouth docks was thirty-eight, whereas the number required for the day's loading was 1354 482, and the total requirements for traffic then in sheds and ordered away was 3,192; whether the available trucks are being used to the best possible advantage; and what steps are being taken to increase the supply of trucks at Avonmouth and to stop the further congestion of the port?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI am aware that there is a congestion of traffic and shortage of trucks at Avonmouth and other ports. The situation cannot be regarded from the point of view of any particular port, and I can only say that every step possible under the present difficult circumstances is being taken to provide a remedy.