Lieut.-Colonel WATTS-MORGANasked the Secretary for Mines (1) if he is aware that the wagons used for coal traffic in Durham and Northumberland are owned and controlled by the railway companies; and what is the amount of running costs or freightage tolls charged per ton per mile inclusive of the wagon hire to the colliery companies in the aforesaid coal areas;
(2) if he is aware that in the main the wagons used for the coal traffic in South 267W Wales are either owned privately or by the colliery companies; and what is the average cost per ton per mile, either of the privately owned or colliery ownership of the wagon hire only;
(3) what are the average running costs or tolls charged by the railway companies in the South Wales area for the freightage alone of coal traffic worked out per ton per mile?
§ Mr. GOSLINGI have been asked to answer these questions. I am aware of the facts stated by my hon. and gallant Friend, but find that the detailed information for which he asks is not in the possession of the Government