§ Mr. WIGNALL asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the appliances for discharging and loading all classes of ships at the port of Immingham are not being efficiently maintained in a satisfactory manner by the dockowners, the Great Central Railway Company, and that a large amount of work is being lost during work hours by the cranes being at a standstill; whether he is aware that eight to ten hours are lost during a period of 44 hours required to unload a ship; that the ss. "Ashbourne," loaded with iron ore, recently lost eight hours in three working days from this cause; and whether, in view of the amount of unemployment caused by the holding up of ships owing to defective 1697W appliances, he will have inquiries made into this matter?
§ Mr. NEAL: I am aware of the position at Immingham and which is generally as stated. I am informed, however, that the present situation arises from a delay in necessary repairs due to a strike of railway shopmen, which has been in progress for the last three months.