§ Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the number of wagons ordered by railway companies since 22nd December, 1919?
§ Mr. NEALI presume the question relates to wagons ordered by the railway companies from outside firms. Since the Minister's statement on the 10th December, advices have been received in regard to 9,500 wagons for which orders have been, or are about to be, placed with outside firms. The matter is being vigorously followed up and the companies are being urged and representatives have agreed to continue the policy of increased wagon building.
§ Mr. SHORTasked the Minister of Transport what steps have been taken to remedy the shortage of wagons in the transport service of the country?
§ Mr. NEALThe number of railway owned wagons in traffic upon 17 principle railway companies has increased from 600,441 in September to 613,428 in November. Arrears of repairs are being overtaken and new construction is being expedited. Over 17,000 wagons are on734W order from railway companies' own works and a further 15,000 have been ordered from outside firms. In addition 14,500 railway-owned wagons had been returned from France on February 8th.