HC Deb 15 July 1931 vol 255 c443
29. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any reports from the various railway companies as to the number of steel coaches that have been built during the previous 12 months which have substituted the old wooden coaches; and can he state the results of these reports?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

I am informed by the railway companies that steel is now used in the construction of a modern railway coach to the extent of about 75 per cent. of its total weight, and that the number of such coaches constructed during the past 12 months in substitution for vehicles mainly constructed of wood is 1,401.

Mr. DAY

Can my right hon. Friend say how many of the older type of wooden coaches are still in existence?

Mr. MORRISON

Obviously, I should require notice of that question.