HC Deb 11 September 1942 vol 383 cc515-6
32. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will state the number of railway wagons unloaded at the Solihull reserve coal dump by the contractor employed by the Minister of Fuel and Power; and the number of such wagons reported as damaged in the course of unloading?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Sir J. Mellor

As in fact the number damaged is between 15 and 20 per cent. of the number unloaded, will the hon. Gentleman suggest to the Minister of Fuel and Power that this wasteful activity should stop?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I would not like to accept my hon. Friend's figure without inquiry, but of course if the number were anything like that, I would make the strongest representations to those concerned.