§ 61. Mr. Holdsworthasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the chronic congestion at the docks at Hull due, among other things, to the lack of siding accommodation, and the serious effect this is having on the pit-wood trade; and whether he will consider making representations to the London and North Eastern Railway Company with a view to steps being taken to relieve the congestion or, alternatively, to reduce the weighing charges at Immingham?
Captain HudsonI am informed by the London and North Eastern Railway Company that the difficulty which is occurring in connection with pit-wood traffic at Hull is due largely to the length of time taken in discharging cargoes of scrap iron and steel. The number of vessels containing such cargoes is exceptional. The company is taking all practicable measures to ensure the expeditious clearance of vessels at Hull. They have accommodation available at Grimsby and Immingham suitable for the discharging of scrap iron and steel, and the total of the dock charges made there for vessels conveying scrap compares favourably with the charges made at Hull.
§ Mr. KirbyIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is no such congestion at Liverpool, that it is a place having a very heavy burden of unemployment, and that it would be very glad to take over this additional tonnage?
§ Mr. MuffIs it correct to use the phrase "chronic congestion"? Is it not the fact that the timber trade is a seasonal trade and that the whole docks are very highly efficient for handling this trade, and that July happens to be the peak month?