§ Mr. A. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour whether he has had any correspondence with the Consett Iron Company, county Durham, with regard to the very serious loss of time and wages at those works owing to the deficiency of the railway Company's wagons; and, if so, what action he has taken in the matter?
§ Sir R. HORNEI have received several communications from the Consett Iron Company during the last month regarding the shortage of railway wagons, and I have not failed to make representations in the matter to the Ministry of Transport as the Department primarily concerned. I am informed that the situation has received and is receiving the careful attention of that Ministry.
§ Mr. HASLAMasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Uskside national works are unable to get steel plates and sections owing to the lack of transport facilities in connection with deliveries from the Consett Iron Company, Limited; whether the methods of work at terminals are being reorganised with the view of lessening the delays of wagons; and will he state the number of goods wagons now being manufactured by order of the Government for use on the railways, and the estimated number required to satisfy the present deficiency of such wagons?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe question of improving the methods of working at terminals is constantly engaging the attention of railway companies, and 939W traders can lessen the delays to wagons by loading and unloading them promptly. I hope to deal with the other parts of the question in a statement which I propose to make next Thursday.