§ 63. Mr. FORRESTasked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the adoption, in the national interests, of the working of the railways on a three shift system, including Sundays in the case of specially congested areas, with a view to continuous working of the present inadequate rolling stock, and the relief of the acute congestion of traffic on the railways?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThis question was investigated some time ago, and the information received indicates that railway companies, as a means of meeting the situation caused by the introduction of the shorter working day, are taking all possible steps to increase the shifts where-ever this is practicable and the traffic demands it. Obviously three shifts or even double shifts are unnecessary in many cases.
§ 64. Mr. FORRESTasked the Minister of Transport when he proposes to make a statement as to what he has done and is doing to relieve the congestion on the railways?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI hope the Debate on the Supplementary Estimates will afford an opportunity for dealing with this matter.