§ 119. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Transport why the Ship and Boat Builders' National Federation were invited by him to circulate their members and ask their members to volunteer for the repair of railway wagons, and have now been informed by the Railway Executive that they do not wish to take advantage of these facilities; and what is the explanation of this action, in view of the critical wagon situation on the railways.
§ Mr. BarnesThe Federation were not invited by me to circulate their members, but, in reply to their suggestion that the industry might assist in wagon repair, were put in touch with the appropriate railway official. From 1st January responsibility for this work devolved upon 163W the Railway Executive, who have explained to the Federation that, owing to insufficiency of materials, it is not possible at present to take advantage of offers of additional capacity.