HC Deb 17 January 1940 vol 356 cc108-9
10. Mr. J. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can make a statement on the working of the new scale of demurrage on wagons; if he is aware of complaints in some areas of hardships caused by the lack of facilities to stack coal at railway sidings; and whether he is taking any steps to deal with those difficulties?

Captain Wallace

The Order authorising the railway companies to make increased demurrage charges did not come into operation until the 15th December last and its full effect has not therefore been felt, but I am informed that since the new charges came into force there has been a substantial improvement in the wagon position. Where wagons have been detained beyond the free periods now allowed, accounts for the charges at the increased rates are being rendered, but the railway companies fully realise that the charges must be applied with reasonable consideration for the difficulties of traders. Representations made by traders regarding the application of the charges in particular cases will receive the special attention of the railway companies in the light of the assurance which I gave the House on 6th December that the Order would be administered with due regard to any genuine difficulties in giving strict compliance. The railway companies are anxious to ensure that the action taken will be on uniform and equitable lines. As regards the second part of the Question, I have had certain representations alleging shortage of stacking accommodation at railway sidings in one or two areas, and these are being investigated.

Mr. Burke

Is the Minister aware that throughout the industrial North there is absolutely no accommodation for stacking coal and that it is quite impossible, with the short working hours, lack of petrol and other things, for dealers to get the wagons out of the way in the 48 hours at present allowed?

Captain Wallace

I have already given an assurance that if it is impossible for the dealers to comply with the Order that fact will be taken into account.

Mr. Burke

If I send the right hon. and gallant Gentleman particulars from Lancashire, will he deal with the matter?

Captain Wallace

I will not say that I will deal with it in the sense of necessarily accepting all that the hon. Member says, but I will certainly look into the matter.

Mr. Georģe Griffiths

Does the Minister think that the nearest way of getting an empty wagon from London to Yorkshire is through Lancashire?

Captain Wallace

I did not say that the wagons had to go from London to Yorkshire.

Mr. Griffiths

But I am asking if the Minister thinks that is the nearest way?

Captain Wallace

Perhaps the hon. Member will put a Question down and I will tell him.