HC Deb 02 December 1946 vol 431 c20
59. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Transport how many vacuum-fitted freight trains were delayed after booked departure times at the London termini of the four main-line railway companies, awaiting locomotives and/or brake vans, for the week commencing nth November, 1946; and what were the longest and shortest periods of delay involved.

Mr. Barnes

Twenty-seven vacuum-fitted freight trains were delayed at the London termini during the week in question awaiting locomotives. There were no delays due to lack of brake vans. The longest period of delay was 200 minutes and the shortest period was two minutes.

Mr. Sparks

Is the Minister aware that serious delay is occurring not only to fast freight trains, but also to goods traffic largely as a result of a shortage of skilled operating grades? Is there anything my right hon. Friend can do to rectify the matter?

Mr. Barnes

That problem of the operating grades is receiving attention, but my hon. Friend knows the difficulty.