Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of 630W the continued delay in returning the large number of British railway wagons in France and Belgium which the War Office promised last year should be sent back at the rate of 800 to 900 per week, but which have not been delivered at half that rate; how many are still there; and how long it will take to complete their return to this country?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe return of wagons from France to this country is dependent on the capacity of the Train Ferry Service, and it is regretted that it has not been possible, owing to a variety of causes, to maintain the rate of return of 800 to 900 wagons a week as anticipated. The average number of wagons returned during the 33 weeks ending on 7th March was 363 per week. The present rate of return is approximately 500 per week, and it is hoped to increase the number during the summer months. There are still approximately 13,000 wagons in France to be returned to the British railway companies and approximately 4,300 wagons belonging to the War Department which will also be brought to this country. It is anticipated that all the wagons will be returned to this country by the end of the year and possibly before that date.