§ 28. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that a number of quarries in Devonshire, Cornwall, (Somerset, and Gloucestershire are working short time due to the want of wagons; if he is aware that men at some of the quarries have been discharged and that plant is idle in consequence; if he is aware that public authorities are waiting for road material to make and repair roads; and if he is aware that there are a number of trucks on railway sidings in Devonshire and Cornwall which, if repaired, could be used for the various quarries mentioned?
Sir R. WILLIAMSI have received representations on this subject from the District Joint Industrial Council for the Granite and Roadstone Quarrying Industry. The railway companies have no obligation to provide wagons for this class of traffic, for which traders, as a rule, provide their own wagons. I am, however, in communication with the railway companies concerned to see whether improved facilities can be afforded without prejudice to other essential traffic.