HC Deb 21 October 1946 vol 427 cc1287-9
10. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will require the rail- way companies to remove their recently introduced embargo on the carriage of timber from Hull into the Birmingham and Coventry area.

14 and 21. Sir Frank Sanderson

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he is aware that recently the railway companies have been issuing notices in regard to the large number of extra passenger trains that were being brought into service from the beginning of October; and, in view of the fact that there is a shortage of locomotives which is holding up the movement of essential goods, if he will give the matter his consideration with a view to removing this anomaly;

(2) whether he is aware that orders for fertilizers, booked for application to autumn-sown corn, are being cancelled owing to a restriction forbidding the acceptance of fertilizers for any station in the eastern counties, or any stations south of Doncaster on the G.N.R. route; and, in view of the necessity in the national interest that the fertilizers be delivered, if he will see that this restriction is removed

18. Commander Maitland

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the embargo imposed on the movement of seed, agricultural machinery and fertilizers by the L.N.E.R.; and, in view of the fact that a difficult season will be made more difficult unless supplies of seed are available in Lincolnshire for the winter sowing, if he will take steps to expedite supplies.

Mr. Barnes

I regret that, owing chiefly to a shortage of locomotive power, which is an aftermath of the war, the L.N.E.R. have found it necessary to impose restrictions upon the acceptance of traffic over a number of routes. I am examining the situation with the Railway Executive Committee so as to ensure that all practicable means are being taken to afford relief. The winter timetables introduced by the railway companies on 6th October show more trains than last winter, but fewer trains than were operated this summer. The present train mileage is 14 per cent. below that of pre-war, although the number of passengers is substantially above the pre-war level. Coal and perishable foodstuffs have been exempted from these restrictions and special arrangements also exist to secure the movement of other urgent consignments held back by the traffic restrictions. Under these arrangements, which are worked in conjunction with the other departments concerned, many tons of seed wheat, fertilisers, agricultural machinery and other commodities have been transported through the congested sections according to the margin of capacity available from day to day.

Sir F. Sanderson

Is the Minister aware that I hold a letter in my hand from the superintendent of the Goods and Traffic Department of the L.N.E.R. intimating that the position is no better? In view of the serious consequences to agriculture, will he do everything in his power to get the position reversed?

Mr. Barnes

I understand both the difficulties and the seriousness of the situation. As I have indicated in my reply, the matter was specially examined by the Railway Executive Committee.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Minister aware that the embargo between the North-East coast and East Anglia has been on continuously since 29th August, except for three days, and that it makes it almost impossible for industry to carry on?

Sir William Darling

Will the Minister consider the diversion of incoming traffic from Hull to Leith—which is on the East coast of the country as well as Hull— now working very much under normal pressure?