HC Deb 11 April 1922 vol 153 cc233-5
70. Sir A. HOLBROOK

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he can issue regulations as to the prompt conveyance by rail of perishable vegetable produce and fruit; and whether he can take any action with reference to a proposal made by the

statement I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. CAIRNS

Is the Minister aware that the quantity of coal supplied by Germany to France as indemnity coal is equal to twice the quantity produced by the county of Northumberland?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I am not aware of that. I think if the hon. Member will look at the answer as it appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT, he will see that it gives the information he requires.

Mr. CAIRNS

Is it the hon. Gentleman's intention to lay the pits idle, as they are getting only two and three days per fortnight?

Following is the statement:

London and South Western Railway Company not to run carriages fitted with shelves for conveyance of strawberries over their system, as this change will result in great damage to the fruit and materially lessen its value?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)

I am advised that the Minister has no power to issue regulations as sug- gested. As regards the latter part of the question, I have been informed by the railway company that, following upon experiments which took place last year, an improved type of basket has been standardised by the growers, and that the experiments showed that the provision of shelves in the vans was not necessary. I am always prepared to consider, and to lay before the railway companies, any well-founded representations from interests concerned.