§ SIR E. HUME-WILLIAMSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether privately-owned railway wagons are still commandeered by Government-directed railway companies; whether he is aware that a wagon loaded from the Oxcroft Colliery to London on 24th March did not arrive back into the traffic of the owners until 15th May; that a wagon similarly loaded on 24th March did not arrive until 12th June; that a wagon loaded from St. John's Colliery, Bradford, on 25th September is still standing at its destination under load; and what is the reason for the delay?
Sir R. WILLIAMSI have been asked to reply to this question. Privately-owned railway wagons are not commandeered, but wherever possible such a wagon in returned loaded instead of empty. Inquiries into the instances quoted by the hon. Member will be made if he will give information as to the owners of the wagons, the identification number and their destinations.