§ 32. Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the Minister of Health whether he has received an offer from the Cambrian Railway Company to convey freight free over their system to Aberdovey roofing slates from the North Wales quarry district which have been requisitioned for Government housing schemes, and to provide for wharfage; and whether notwithstanding this offer, slates have been sent to Queensferry, entailing the payment of full railway freight and storage charges?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr. Addison)I have not received an offer from the railway company to convey slates on behalf of the Government freight free. Such an offer would mean nothing to the guaranteed railway company, but would be generosity at the cost of the general taxpayer. An offer has been received from them to store slates at their depot at Aberdovey free of charge for storage, and I am in negotiation with the company with regard to the details of this offer. The depot is suitably placed for the reception of slates from quarries in a certain district, but for other quarries it will still be necessary to make use of the depot at Queensferry, which is on the site of a Government factory.