§ 88. Mr. JODRELLasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the serious shortage of railway trucks at Middleton Station, Great Eastern Railway, and Gayton Road Station, Midland and Great Northern Railway, and that the output of silica sand from the neighbouring quarries of Messrs. Boam and Company has been much curtailed thereby, compelling that firm to dismiss a number of their workmen; and what 412 steps he proposes to take to remedy this shortage of trucks as quickly as possible at those stations?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Bridge-man)The firm mentioned recently made a complaint in the matter, and the Board of Trade have been in communication with the railway companies concerned. The Great Eastern Railway Company have informed the Board that they are taking all steps possible to meet the situation, but the hon. Member will be aware that the shortage of trucks is unfortunately not confined to the particular case referred to in his question.