§ 4. Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASSasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that owing to the operation of the quota system under the Coal Mines Act considerable congestion of empty wagons exists on the sidings, resulting in a difficulty of obtaining necessary supplies of coal in North-East Lancashire; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs?
§ Mr. SHINWELLCongestion of empty wagons at railway sidings after holiday periods such as Easter, when the majority of the pits close for some days, is not unusual. Nevertheless, my information is that there is no shortage of coal in North-East Lancashire at the present time. If the hon. and gallant Member has any particular cases in mind, perhaps he will let me have details of them.
§ Sir W. BRASSDo I understand that the reason for the shortage which the hon. Gentleman gives is the holidays, and not the quota system?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI have not admitted any shortage.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas there not been a congestion of railway wagons for many years, and is it not largely owing to private wagons?
§ Sir W. BRASSDo I understand that the hon. Gentleman has denied that there is a shortage at all in North-East Lancashire? I have evidence that there is.
§ Mr. SHINWELLI am informed that there is no shortage, but, if the hon. Member has details, perhaps he will let me have them.