§ Mr. GOULDasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the shortage of coal wagons in the various coalfields; if he is aware that miners returning to work at their pits will be unable to perform their duties owing to this cause; if he is aware that some thousands of empty coal wagons are on sidings from Bristol and Gloucester as far as Slough; why these were not moved to their respective coalfields during last week; and whether he is taking steps to move these wagons with all despatch so that not only miners but dockworkers and others may find employment?>
§ Sir E. GEDDESMy attention has not been called to any shortage of wagons in the coalfields, but if the hon. Member will give specific instances I shall be glad to look into them. It is not a practical proposition to work into the coalfields the whole of the abnormally large number of empty wagons which are on hand after a strike, because this would cause congestion, from which loss of output would result. The railway companies regulate the movement of empty wagons according to the ability of collieries in their areas882W to deal with them, and this course is being followed upon the resumption of work in the mines.