§ 42. Lieut.-Colonel WILLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he Is aware of the serious congestion at Tilbury Docks; if it is a fact that 300 barges from the Thames formerly largely employed in the transportation of wool from the lower docks to the wool warehouses, London Docks, were sent to France to assist in disembarkation of troops; if it is a fact that a very small number of these barges have yet been returned; and if he could state when it is expected that these barges will be returned for the continuance of the work they were formerly employed upon?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of SHIPPING (Colonel Wilson)I have been asked to reply. I am fully aware of the state of congestion in London, and every practicable step is being taken to meet the situation. Out of sixty-two Thames barges requisitioned and sent by the Ministry of Shipping to France, three have been lost, forty-seven have been or are being released to their owners, and twelve still remain in France. I am informed by the War Office that no Thames barges under their control have been sent to France to assist in disembarkation. Some twenty barges were purchased in 1917, of which fourteen have been returned. I am also informed by the Admiralty that they expect to return shortly a portion of the seventy barges which they have 'been using for naval purposes.
§ Lieut.-Colonel WILLEYCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman give any definite indication as to when those barges will be returned, and also when an adjustment of coastal lines and railway rates may be expected?
Colonel WILSONIn reference to the Admiralty barges, perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question to the Admiralty. The latter part of the 2269 question is under the consideration of the Government, My right hon. Friend is receiving a deputation on this question this afternoon, and hopes that an announcement will be made on the subject at an early date.
§ Mr. WATERSONWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman make representations to the Secretary of State for War as to the necessity for liberating the men to work these barges as soon as they get back to the country so as to relieve the congestion on the railways as well?
§ Mr. WATERSONCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman make the necessary representations to the Department on that point?
Colonel WILSONI am making every representation in order to relieve the congestion which is very serious.
§ Mr. WATERSONIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the fact that many railwaymen and boatmen are held up in the forces, and cannot get liberated simply because they did not join the forces until after 1st January, 1916?