§ 3. Captain Lyonsasked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet completed arrangements with the Minister of War Transport to ensure the prompt clearing of coal wagons in sidings by coal merchants, and others, both in towns and rural areas?
§ The Secretary for Mines (Mr. David Grenfell)Yes, Sir, and the figures of clearance show that there has been progressive improvement in this matter since the beginning of the year.
§ Captain LyonsSubject to war circumstances, can the hon. Gentleman say what steps will be taken to safeguard the position as compared with a year ago?
§ Mr. GrenfellIf by a year ago my hon. Friend means last winter, there has been some improvement. I cannot guarantee that it will be maintained, but there is an abundant supply of empty wagons at the present time, and there is likely to be for some time.
§ Mr. MacleanConsidering that in some places coal is being sold at 3s. a hundredweight and that prices above that figure are due to the cost of freightage, can he not have something done in regard to cheapening the cost of transport?
§ Mr. GrenfellI cannot do that.
§ Mr. LevyIs my hon. Friend aware that unless something is done with regard to the distribution of coal, it will not be long before some munition factories have to close down?