HC Deb 06 March 1940 vol 358 cc390-1
71. Captain Strickland

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the numerous complaints from manufacturers indicating the serious inconvenience caused by the closing, without public notice, of Coventry goods station against the reception of goods, in and out, sent by rail; whether he will state the reason for this measure; and whether he will take action so that goods urgently needed may be sent by road transport?

Captain Wallace

The need for restricting traffic at Coventry arose from the congestion caused by the unprecedented severity of the weather in January and the early part of February. Widespread sickness among the railway staff at Coventry, and in the Birmingham District generally, aggravated the position. The restriction was removed on 27th February and there should now be no difficulty in regard to traffic at Coventry. I am informed that every effort was made to advise traders of the restriction through the usual channels.

Captain Strickland

Can the Minister point to any public notice that was given, and is he aware that much of this material is urgently wanted in Coventry, that the total closure amounted to over a month, and that Coventry was not the only place in which this happened? Will he see that in future public notice is given, and that if the railways cannot carry the stuff, road transport is permitted to do so?

Captain Wallace

My information is that the total closure was for 20 days and not for a month. Traders were advised by cartage foremen, carters, motor drivers and the company's commercial representatives. That is the recognised procedure. Priority traffic and perishables were exempted from the restrictions, and, with regard to the latter part of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question, I have to divide a limited amount of petrol among a large number of claimants, and the occurrence of an extra emergency does not give me any more petrol.

Captain Strickland

Has not my right hon. and gallant Friend in his possession all the information from manufacturers who did not know until they applied at the railway station that their goods had not left the station from which they were consigned?

Captain Wallace

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that Question on the Paper.

Captain Strickland

The Minister has that information in the letters.