§ 9. Mr. A. SHORTasked what is the estimated shortage of railway wagons; what have been the total orders placed for new wagons since 23rd December, 1919; and the total number completed?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI would refer the hon. Member to my speech on the 24th ultimo on the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill, in which I dealt with the wagon shortage and with the total orders placed for new wagons. The total number of new wagons completed and put into traffic during January and February was 3,352 (of which 475 were obtained from outside firms).
Mr. TERRELLHas the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to encourage the repairing of wagons which were out of repair so as to make up the shortage?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThat received our first attention ahead of any question of new buildings, and the arrears of repairs overtaken has been very satisfactory indeed. If the hon. Member will look at the statement published in the White Paper, he will see a confirmation of my statement.