§ 75. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is yet in a position to allocate sufficient extra wagons for the special purpose of relieving the congestion of timber at the port of Hull; whether he is aware of the situation at the port owing to this congestion, and that there are 100,000 tons of timber awaiting removal; and whether he can give an assurance that the congestion will be relieved before the next importing season, in order that timber merchants and importers can arrange their business?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)The position at Hull during the last week has considerably improved as a result of the railway companies having taken special steps to work wagons into that port. The whole question of re-allocation of wagons by the companies is actually in process. The question of wagon supply at Hull is receiving special consideration by the 1798 railway companies, and every endeavour will be made to reduce the accumulation of timber before the next importing season. The Hull position is a most difficult one, owing mainly to altered flow of trade, and I am proposing to have a meeting with the representatives of the railway companies concerned shortly and will invite the hon. Members representing Hull in this House to be present.