Captain COOTEasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the shortage of trucks in country districts threatens to produce a repetition of the disaster of last season, when a large part of the potato crop rotted in the ground, and a large quantity of corn was lost through the depredations of vermin; and whether he can promise any improvement in the supply of trucks?
§ Mr. NEALThe reply to the first part is in the negative. As regards the second part, the Minister of Transport is making a statement on this subject in Committee Room 8, at six o'clock this evening.
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Captain COOTEasked the Minister of Transport whether he has as yet decided upon a policy with regard to privately-owned railway wagons; and whether he is aware that uncertainty as to the future, added to the high cost of construction, is preventing railway wagon manufacturers from carrying out the construction of new wagons urgently needed in view of the general shortage?
§ Mr. NEALI regret that, in view of the complexity of the problems involved, the Minister of Transport is not yet in a position to make an announcement on this question, which is being and has been for a considerable time discussed with the railway companies. I am aware of the difficulty referred to, but the uncertainty does not hinder the repair of wagons, which is also a matter of great importance.