§ 43. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the closing of the Hull and Barnsley section of the London and North Eastern Railway between Hull and Cudworth to all traffic between 10 at night and 6 in the morning; if he is aware that there is congestion the next day owing to overnight goods arriving at Cudworth and not being forwarded till the next morning, with the result that the Midland Railway Company cannot deal with them fast enough, and that on 20th March last, Sunday, there was an accumulation of 650 wagons from the previous weekdays, partly caused by this closing of the Hull and Barnsley line during the night hours; and whether, in view of the admitted shortage of wagons in Hull, he will look into this 1880 aspect of the problem in connection with the admitted grievance of the Hull merchants?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am aware that this section of line is closed each night, as stated in the question. I am, however, assured by the railway company concerned that this closing has no effect on the supply of wagons at Hull. I am also informed that the shortage of wagons at Hull, and the congestion at Cudworth, to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, both ceased some time ago.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs there no possibility of this line being opened again at night? Has the right hon. Gentleman looked into that aspect of the matter?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAs I am informed, the shortage of wagons at Hull and the congestion at Cudworth had nothing to do with the closing of the line, and I do not think that that is really a material factor.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this particular section of the railway is a goods line, and has been used for years almost only as a goods line; and is that not likely to affect the congestion?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am informed that it is not. I can only take the answer that has been sent to me.
§ Major CARVERIs my right hon. Friend aware thai negotiations are proceeding between the railway company and the Hull Chamber of Commerce, and would it be wise for the Ministry to interfere until that investigation has taken place?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is one of the reasons why I am taking no action, in order to see whether these negotiations cannot be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.