§ 43. Mr. Magnayasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport why road transport vehicles have been directed by the road haulage organisation of his Department to Bury St. Edmunds to pick up sugar for carriage to Ipswich for transference to coastwise shipping to London, the vehicles then receiving instructions to return empty to London?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe refinery to which this raw sugar was consigned could only accept its delivery by water.
§ Mr. MagnayDoes the Minister think that it is advisable, in view of the demand for economy in tyres and in motor spirit, to run these lorries from Ipswich to London—64 miles—without a load every time they come?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWe have made every effort to back-load these lorries the full distance with sugar, but, unfortunately, the refinery cannot accept it by road. We are trying to make arrangements by which this shall be done, but at present they have not been completed.
§ Mr. StokesCan the hon. Gentleman say whether these lorries remain there, or do they run every day?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThey are going up with potential loads from London to that area, 1136 and on their return journey they carry this sugar from Bury St. Edmunds to Ipswich, where it is put on water.