HC Deb 09 June 1947 vol 438 c698
74. Mr. Granville Sharp

asked the Minister of Transport what is the approximate proportion of railway company engines normally engaged in hauling coals.

Mr. Barnes

Twenty to 30 per cent., Sir.

Mr. Sharp

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the proportion will be adequate to ensure that all the coal trucks do not remain in sidings for a long period?

Mr. Barnes

I do not think there is any justification for the inference that coal trucks do remain in sidings for any length of time. In any case, that is not the Question I have been asked to answer.