§ MR. ROYCEasked the Minister of Trans port whether he is aware that the shortage of railway trucks in South Lincolnshire and adjacent areas is causing discontent and loss to agriculturists; whether he is aware that produce is often taken to a station five or six times and has to be returned owing to no trucks being available, involving many miles of cartage: whether this shortage of trucks is keeping up prices by 1661W preventing agricultural produce being put on the market as freely as would otherwise be the case; and whether he proposes to take steps to deal with this matter?
Sir RHYS WILLIAMSI am not aware of any instances such as those referred to in the second part of this question, and there is a well-established custom under which farmers inquire whether trucks are available before carting their produce to the station. In view of the difficulties traders experience in clearing wagons loaded with produce at London terminal stations, I do not think the shortage of trucks is keeping up the price of produce.
§ Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the privately-owned railway wagons of coal merchants at Blaenau Festiniog, when enroute to collieries in the Ruabon district, are being diverted and used for the conveyance of macadam and setts from Arenig station, Great Western Railway, and that this practice results in serious delays in the delivery of the necessary coal supplies to Blaenau Festiniog; and whether he will take steps to prevent a recurrence at this season of a practice which is causing serious hardship?
Sir R. WILLIAMSThe practice of loading private owners' wagons on the return journey when they would otherwise travel empty is in the public interest in view of the present shortage of empty wagons. I will, however, make inquiries into this particular case.
§ Mr. ATKEYasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a letter from the Bulwell Finishing Company, Limited, of Nottingham, complaining of the delay in delivery of thousands of pounds worth of goods owing to the failure on the part of the railway companies to return empty hampers which now cost nearly £5 each; and whether he can fake steps to improve upon the present position?
Sir R. WILLIAMSThe hon. Member has supplied me with particulars of the delays referred to. I am having these in quired into and will communicate the result to him.