HC Deb 18 November 1941 vol 376 cc152-4
5. Mr. R. J. Taylor

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that mines were idle recently in Northumberland for lack of empty wagons; and why arc facilities not working to enable wagons to be emptied to enable mines to continue working?

8. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any explanation for the stoppage of certain coalmines in South Wales due to shortage of wagons; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this position?

Mr. Grenfell

It is unfortunately the case that some time was lost recently in Northumberland and South Wales through unavoidable transport difficulties. Collieries have been asked in such circumstances to put as much coal as possible to stock at the pithead, and further outlets have now been created in both districts by the provision of Government stocking sites near the collieries. I am in constant touch with my Noble Friend the Minister of War Transport with regard to transport both by rail and by sea, and, so far as the supply of wagons is concerned, a scheme of rationalised distribution of empty wagons to coalfield areas is now in operation.

Mr. Taylor

Is my hon. Friend aware that stress is being laid now upon absenteeism? The Ministry of Transport is appealing to men to go to work, and they remain idle because there is a shortage of wagons. This is having a very bad effect. Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the facilities which exist at collieries at the present time are being fully utilised so that pits can be kept working?

Mr. Grenfell

It is intended that these men shall be kept at work every day, and in order that they shall be at work regularly it will be necessary to dump large quantities of coal at the new stocking places now provided.

Mr. Taylor

Has my hon. Friend satisfied himself that the facilities already existing for dumping coal are being fully used, or is it being left to managements to dump coal?

Mr. Grenfell

No, Sir, it is not being left to managements. Stocking is being done at the expense of the Government and on the instructions of the Government?

Mr. Taylor

But will my hon. Friend tell us—. [Interruption.] This is very important.