§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the President of the Board of Trade if he cam state what arrangements have now been made with the railway companies for the transport of coal, iron, and steel from Lanarkshire and the West of Scotland to the open ports on the Forth or elsewhere since the closing of the ports on the Upper Forth?
Mr. RUNCIMANIt has not been found practicable to quote reduced rates on shipment coal diverted from the closed ports. The question of reducing rates on other classes of traffic is still under the consideration of the Railway Executive Committee.
§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say what arrangements are being made to secure additional men for service on the railways so as to provide for the transport of coal and other necessaries, the cost of which has been increased partly owing to transport difficulties?
Mr. RUNCIMANThe Railway Executive Committee inform me that they have not so far found it necessary to take any general action with regard to the supply of labour. I understand that the Committee are of opinion that such difficulties as have arisen in handling traffic are mainly due to other causes, and not to a shortage of railway labour.