§ 18. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that 15 trucks of coal have accumulated at Bromley South Station as a result of the withdrawal of the permit from Mr. C. Mortimer, of 57, High Street, Orpington; and if he will, in consultation with the Minister of Transport, take the necessary steps to enable Mr. Mortimer to continue his coal delivery work.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe accumulation of 15 wagons at Bromley South Station was brought about by the cancellation of hired transport owing to lack of coal supplies 1850 up to 8th July, followed by the unexpected arrival on the 9th July of eight wagons of coke in addition to normal coal supplies. By working over the week-end the wagon accumulation was cleared by the firm of coal merchants concerned. As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Transport, in answer to a similar Question.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Mortimer had his lorry taken off the road by a telephone message in a very peremptory manner from a bureaucrat in Bromley? Will he take steps to see that, as this is the only lorry which has weights, scales and sacks, this kind of interference with a private business of a private citizen is not continued?
§ Mr. ShinwellI understand that the permit authorising the use of the vehicle expired on 31st May, and that Mr. Mortimer did not make application for its renewal immediately thereafter. He has since done so, and, of course, authorisation will be made.
§ Mr. Walter FletcherCan the right hon. Gentleman explain how it comes about that, under a planned economy, the arrival of eight wagons was unexpected?
§ Mr. ShinwellWhen one is dealing with matters of coke and coal anything can happen.