§ 34. Mr. R. A. Butlerasked the President of the Board of Trade how many locomotives have been exported this year; and of what types.
§ Mr. MarquandFrom January to September of this year, the numbers of locomotives exported were—Main Line, Steam, 303; Diesel, 27; Electric, 3; Contractors' and Light, 377; making a total of 710 for all types.
§ Mr. ButlerMay I ask the Minister whether he is aware that the grave holdups and delays on the main lines out of London leading to Essex—the two main lines—are attributed to locomotive shortages, and will he convey these figures to the Minister of Transport and consult with him whether more locomotives could not be made available for the services of this country?
§ Mr. MarquandYes, Sir; I will convey the information to my right hon. Friend, if he needs it, but I would ask hon. Members to bear in mind how essential these exports are for the obtaining of foodstuffs.
§ Mr. David JonesWill the Minister ask the railway companies to use the locomotives they have already got?
§ Mr. StokesMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that it is a shortage of carriages and wagons on three of the railways, and not a shortage of locomotives at all?