§ Mr. PETOasked the Minister of Munitions whether his Department will control the rail transport of war materials when produced; and whether he anticipates being able to take any steps to reduce the congestion on the railway systems of Great Britain caused by the present uneconomical use of railway goods rolling stock?
Mr. RUNCIMANMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Railway Executive Committee have throughout Great Britain since the War began controlled all railway transport, and they have, under many difficulties, attained a great measure of success. It is not intended that the transport of munitions should be controlled by the Department of the Minister of Munitions. With regard to the last part of the question, the Railway Executive Committee have made such arrangements as they consider necessary for the common use of rolling stock.