§ 34. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the extent to which perishable commodities, with particular reference to the Scottish fish trade, are delayed by the use of old and out-of-date rolling stock; that the use of old stock frequently results in overheating of axles and the removal in course of journeys of faulty wagons; that perishable goods thus affected become unsaleable; and if he will give a general direction to the British Transport Commission to accelerate the provision of modern rolling stock.
§ The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Harold Watkinson)If deliveries of the necessary parts are maintained on schedule, the Commission hopes 410 to have the 200 wagons to which I referred in my Answer of 3rd July in service by the end of the year.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister think that it is entirely wrong to tolerate these structural defects for so long, and will he act urgently in this matter? Does he realise that this is undermining the great fishing industry and disappointing producers and consumers? Will he act promptly?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI do not act. It is the Commission that acts. As the hon. and learned Gentleman knows, the Commission has very much expedited this service in an attempt to help that major industry to which he has referred.
§ Lady TweedsmuirIs my right hon. Friend aware that, even since he took personal trouble over this matter, several wagons have had to be taken off in transit? Is he satisfied that the promises which he was given that this matter would be investigated have really been carried out?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, I think so. The trouble is not so much the supply of wagons but the difficulty which is experienced with hot boxes when the wagons are run at high speeds. Therefore, the bearings have to be replaced. I think the replacement is proceeding at a satisfactory rate and that should cure the difficulty.