§ 69. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to improve the system of controlling freight traffic on the railways.
§ Mr. BarnesThe system of control of freight traffic is a matter of railway operation, responsibility for which rests primarily with the railway managements. It has been built up over a long period of years, and is adapted from time to time to meet changes in traffic conditions and requirements.
§ Mr. SwinglerWill the Minister give an assurance to the House that it is his intention to ensure absolute priority to coal trains on the railways; and is he aware that there is some concern among railwaymen at the unnecessary delay in dealing with this matter?
§ Mr. BarnesThere can be no doubt at all about the orders which have been issued and which, as far as I know, are being carried out at the present moment. If there is any evidence to the contrary, I should he pleased to receive it.
§ 70. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Transport how far it is estimated that the present difficulties in the movement of freight on the railways are aggravated by shortage of manpower; and what steps he is taking to solve this problem.
§ Mr. BarnesThere is a shortage of experienced railway operating staff which aggravates working difficulties, particularly in the London and Birmingham areas, where there is acute shortage of lodging accommodation. As accommodation is made available, steps are taken to transfer staff to these two areas from other areas where the shortage is less acute.
§ Mr. MikardoDoes my right hon. Friend recall that, during the manpower shortage after the 1914–18 war, loco. shed labourers were encouraged to take up work as firemen, and can he say why that practice is not repeated at the present time?
§ Mr. BarnesI could not answer that question at the moment; it is a matter into which we will look.