17. Mrs. WARDasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that several collieries in the Cannock Chase coalfield have had to hold their men off owing to shortage of wagons; and, as this is frequently occurring, will he take some steps to get the situation improved?
§ Mr. E. BROWNI have just recently received from the Cannock Chase Miners', Enginemen and Surfacemen's Association a copy of a letter which has been addressed to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company on this subject; it is under consideration. If my hon. Friend will be good enough to furnish details of any difficulties with regard to wagons which have come to her notice, I will, in conjunction with my hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, see whether there is any action that can usefully be taken. The hon. Member will no doubt appreciate that we have no statutory powers in the matter.
Mrs. WARDIs the Secretary for Mines aware that this loss of work is a great hardship to the miners, and will he take steps to see that it is remedied?
§ Mr. BROWNIt is refreshing to me to have this point put forward instead of the quota, which is a hardy annual.