Lieut.-Colonel WATTS-MORGANasked the Secretary for Mines (1) if he is aware that in the main the wagons used for the coal traffic in South Wales are either owned privately or by the colliery companies; what is the average cost per ton per mile either of the privately owned or colliery ownership of the wagon hire only; and, if the information is not in his his possession, will he endeavour to obtain the same?
(2) 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; and, if the information is not in his possession, will he endeavour to obtain the same?
(3) If the Secretary for Mines is aware that the wagons used for coal traffic in Durham and Northumberland are owned and controlled by the railway companies; 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; and, if the information is not in his possession, will he endeavour to obtain the same?
§ Mr. SHINWELLThe information asked for is not available, and I understand that it may be difficult to get. But if my hon. and gallant Friend will be good enough to see me in order to explain more precisely the scope and object of the statistics that he requires, I will consult with my hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, and see what can be done.