§ 64. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Minister of Transport what quantity of bread was transported by rail from Glasgow on each day, respectively, of the week ending Saturday,2nd March, 1940; what rolling stock, respectively, was required for its transport; into what counties of Scotland it was so transported; what quantities were so transported to Greenock, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Perth, Oban and Inverness, respectively; and what proposals he has to make, in conjunction with other Government Departments, to relieve the railways of this traffic during the war-time emergency?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Bernays)I am advised that the amount of traffic in question is not so substantial as to warrant interference with the normal commercial and somewhat specialised system of distribution. The detailed information for which the hon. and learned Member asks could not be obtained without an expenditure of time and money which my right hon. and gallant Friend could not regard as justified in war-time?
§ Mr. GibsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that bread is sent as far north as Sutherlandshire, and that special bread trains run from Glasgow to Dundee, and that Glasgow bread goes as far south as Galloway; and can he say, approximately, what the amount of rolling stock is involved in this traffic?
§ Mr. BernaysI cannot say without notice. If the hon. and learned Gentleman has a case to put to me on this matter, I shall be very glad to consider it.
§ Mr. BuchananIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a big Co-operative bakery in Gorbals, Glasgow, and will he do nothing to interfere with it, as there is enough poverty in Gorbals already?