§ 43 Major Entwistleasked the Minister of Transport (1) whether any and, if so, what steps are being taken by him to alleviate the present congested state of the Hull docks in regard to timber owing to the inadequate supply of wagons for transit of goods inland, which goods are urgently needed for the building trade;
(2) Whether any and, if so, what steps he has taken to amend the present allocation of wagons to the Humber district, which is based on 1917 user, when, owing to its geographical position in the war zone, the imports and exports were considerably reduced; why the allocation is not based on the normal pre-war trade of this district; and whether he is aware that the congestion resulting from shortage of wagons is causing much unemployment?
§ Mr. NEALThe subject of readjusting the allocation of wagons made in 1917 under the common user system is a matter for, and is being dealt with by, the railways, and I am expecting to receive shortly their final conclusions on the matter. In the meantime the supply of wagons at Hull is receiving constant attention, with the object of ensuring for that port a fair proportion of the wagons available, and as far as it is possible without sacrificing other requirements the demands for wagons for timber required for the building trade are being met. Every effort will be made to reduce the stocks of timber at Hull before the next 15 importing season. I am again calling the special attention of the railway companies concerned to the urgency of the problem.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the motor lorries supplied by his Department to Hull gave great satisfaction and great assistance in cleaving the port, and could this be extended?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCan anything be done to continue this assistance and extend it?