§ 36. Mr. Websterasked the Minister of Power what approval he has given to proposals for major capital expenditure by the National Coal Board to increase the number of collieries with storage bunkers and facilities for rapid loading of trains.
§ Mr. PeytonThe National Coal Board is discussing these matters with the Railways Board but has not yet made any proposals for additions to its investment programme in this respect.
§ Mr. WebsterI am grateful to my hon. Friend for that Answer. This is a vital matter. There are about 22 million wagons involved, each for about two days on every turn-round, and the cost is about £11 million a year. Would not this development accelerate the operation of the railway system and bring costs down as a result of more efficient methods?
§ Mr. PeytonI have no doubt that the Chairman of the National Coal Board will take careful note of what my hon. Friend has said.