§ 64. Mr. R. McLARENasked the Minister of Transport whether, since the rail way rates in Scotland were raised, the percentage of empty wagons transported has been increased and the net revenue derived from traffic in the North of Scot land has thereby been reduced; and if, under these circumstances, he will consult with the railway companies operating in the North of Scotland and ascertain their opinion as to the advisability of reducing the rates for home-grown timber to the South immediately?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe statistics for the four weeks ended 10th October show that the percentage of empty wagon miles in Scotland during that period was slightly less than during the four weeks ended 18th July and 15th August, With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Forfar on the 25th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ 65. Mr. McLARENasked the Minister of Transport the average cost per ton per mile for the conveyance by railway in Scotland of home-grown timber, and the same average cost for the conveyance of foreign timber in Scotland; whether in pre-War times the cost of transport for foreign timber was less per mile than that for home-grown timber; and 922 whether, under the rates now ruling, the preference on foreign timber has now been increased?
§ Sir E. GEDDESNo particulars are available as to the average cost of the conveyance of home-grown and foreign timber on the Scottish railways. The same percentage increases have been made on rates chargeable on imported timber as on home-grown timber.