§ 29. Sir ARTHUR FELLasked the Secretary of State for War how many railway trucks belonging to this country are still in France; at what rate per week are they being shipped back; if the Rich-borough ferry is being employed to its maximum capacity; and if ships are also employed to transport these trucks which are so urgently needed in this country?
§ Mr. FORSTERThere are at present in France nearly 19,000 wagons which were lent to the War Department by British railway companies. Until the railway strike the train ferries were used to their full capacity upon the transport of railway trucks from France, and an average of 520 trucks were carried weekly. Owing to the strike preference was given to motor transport, but preference has now again been given to railway trucks, and 486 were returned last week. I understand that arrangements are being made to in crease the number as far as possible. No other ships art: employed to transport these trucks.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is one of these ferries at Southampton and that it has been six months rotting there and has never been used?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think that is a point which is being considered.
§ Mr. BILLINGWould the right hon. Gentleman see that the officer who is responsible for leaving that thing there use less for the past six or eight months makes a report and explains why?
§ Mr. FORSTERI will certainly ask for a report.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this ferry at Southampton would carry fifty trucks on one journey?
§ Mr. FORSTERCertainly.
§ Commander Viscount CURZONMay I ask whether these ferries come under the War Office or the Admiralty?
§ Mr. FORSTERThey have been under the War Office.