§ 41. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in order to overcome the difficulties of transport causing short-time working at collieries, he will arrange for a pooling of colliery wagons?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Bernays)I have been asked to reply. On 3rd September all privately-owned railway wagons, with certain specified exceptions, were requisitioned so that they could be used interchangeably with railway-owned wagons. The hon. Member will, therefore, see that the step suggested by him has already been taken. The provision of an adequate supply of wagons to the collieries is being rendered difficult by the extent to which wagons are being detained by traders at terminal points. The President of the Board of Trade and my right hon. Friend are urging upon traders and industrialists the vital importance of ensuring that wagons are loaded and unloaded with the utmost despatch so as to secure a speedier turn round.
§ Mr. GriffithsDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that all over the country they are working short time and will he see that this scheme is brought into operation soon?
§ Mr. BernaysMy right hon. and gallant Friend is most anxious about this situation and will keep a careful watch upon it.
§ Mr. LevyMay I ask how it is possible to accelerate the unloading of these wagons if petrol is not available for the road transport in which industrialists have to convey the coal?