§ Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a special train was run from Cardiff to Dowlais and back and one from Newport to Ebbw Vale and back, each containing an engine and coach, on or about Saturday, 22nd February, to obtain local Press photographs; how many staff were employed on these journeys; how much coal was used; and who authorised these journeys.
§ Mr. BarnesI am informed that these trains consisting only of an inspection coach were run to enable the Divisional Engineer to examine sections of line to see whether the heavy falls of snow and severe weather had made them unsafe for traffic working. The taking of photographs was incidental. Each trip employed three men and used about 25 cwt. of coal.