HC Deb 11 February 1941 vol 368 cc1212-4
26. Sir John Wardlaw-Milne

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that after some improvement there is again delay in the supply of coal to Kidderminster and Stourport; that certain wagons which left South Wales on 24th December have not yet arrived and that the position is made more acute by reason of the necessity of providing for a number of refugees from bombed areas; and what steps he is taking to improve conditions in this area?

Mr. Grenfell

I am aware that special difficulties are still being experienced in the supply of coal to certain areas, including Stourport and Kidderminster, and arrangements have recently been made which should result in a substantial increase in coal traffic to those areas from the Midland (Amalgamated) District. As a result of special measures taken during the last few weeks, railway deliveries from South Wales have also been considerably increased.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

When the Minister says that there have been considerable increases in the delivery of coal wagons, presumably by quicker movement, does he consider that a coal wagon which started on 24th December from South Wales, and only reached the Midlands on about 28th January, is acceleration?

Mr. Grenfell

My hon. Friend refers to a coal wagon; perhaps he would be easier in his own mind if he knew that 300,000 wagons of coal are moved each week in this country. To impute the tardiness of delivery of one coal wagon to a body generally responsible is really making a mountain out of a molehill.

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne

Does the Minister really consider his reply absolutely fair? It must be quite clear to him and to the House that the wagon to which I referred in my Supplementary Question was given as an example. I can tell him of hundreds of wagons which have been delayed for long periods. There is no doubt that there is a very strong public feeling in some parts of the country against the continual delay in the transport of coal.

Mr. Grenfell

I am quite ready to answer any strong public feeling, but I feel that it should be well informed.

Mr. De la Bère

Is the Minister aware that Evesham and Pershore are both suffering from the same difficulty?

Mr. Grenfell

I am very sorry about Evesham and Pershore, but we are up against local difficulties which cannot be immediately overcome. We are doing better than we did, but there is still room for improvement.

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