HC Deb 07 October 1942 vol 383 c1199
30. Sir John Mellor

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the percentage of railway wagons unloaded at the Solihull reserve coal dump up to 31st August, 1942, which were damaged in the course of unloading; and what action he has taken to prevent similar damage occurring elsewhere?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)

Of the wagons unloaded at Solihull reserve coal dump, 16⅔ per cent. were damaged. To the great majority the damage was only superficial, and it is not clear that all of it was caused by the unloading of the coal. I have, however, asked the railway company for a report.

Sir J. Mellor

Has the hon. Gentleman made the strong representations which he promised he would make if my figures proved to be anything like correct?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir. I first wanted to establish the facts. I have established the fact that practically all the damage was merely superficial and could be made good in less than a day, while, on the other hand, the advantages of the method of unloading were very considerable, but I am not yet satisfied that all proper precautions were taken.