§ Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary for Mines how many thousand wagons laden with steam-coal unsuitable for domestic purposes are standing idle on railway sidings; and whether steps can be taken to empty these trucks so that they may be used to transport domestic coal from the pitheads?
§ Mr. GrenfellI have no information with regard to the number of wagons laden with steam coal which are standing on railway sidings, but steam coal is urgently required for many high priority purposes and I could not therefore undertake to have the wagons emptied and sent back to the collieries to load house coal. I am making every effort in consultation with my hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Transport to expedite the movement of wagons to consumers who have ordered their supplies and are awaiting delivery.