§ 58. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary for Mines whether any of the collieries in any district at which coal miners have commenced work are waiting for wagons; if he is aware that there are over 30,000 wagons on one system waiting to be dealt with; and if lie will look into the matter?
§ Colonel LANE FOXSome complaints have reached my Department from collieries which are experiencing difficulties on account of shortage of wagons. In so far as the shortage may be due to transport difficulties my Department is keeping in touch with the Ministry of Transport and the railway companies. There are now no restrictions on the disposal of coal, whether for inland purposes or for export.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the majority of large collieries in South Yorkshire have all had to play for one or more days during the past week, due to the failure to secure wagons, and may I ask, further, if he is not aware that while wagons are privately owned, we can never get the maximum value out of them?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is putting what is a matter for Debate in the form of a question.