§ 16. Mr. Sparksasked the Minister of Transport if he will state the number of serviceable locomotives in operation on the four main line railways and the number of serviceable wagons, including private owners, available for freight traffic, at the nearest convenient date and in 1944 and 1938; and by what percentages do freight tonnage weekly averages in 1947 compare with 1944 and 1938.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. G. R. Strauss)My right hon. Friend is having 1909 this information prepared and will arrange for a statement to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.
§ Mr. SparksIs my hon. Friend aware that railway freight tonnages have dropped by 19 per cent. compared with what they were three years ago, that this has meant a reduced demand for locomotives and railway wagons, and that to that extent the railway transport system has been considerably eased? Is he also aware that an important contributory factor to the transport problem is the present inadequate control of the movement of traffic, which leads to prolonged delays to freight trains and other trains, and thus reduces the efficiency of transport operations? Will my hon. Friend look into that side of the transport problem?
§ Mr. StraussI can assure my hon. Friend that these matters are being looked into very carefully indeed to provide the maximum efficiency in transport services in the coming winter.