§ Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the incident which took place on 5th December, at Cricklewood, London, when a locomotive driver signed on for duty at 12.10 p.m., was sent to relieve a driver on a train of 75 wagons at 12.50 p.m., stood by for eight hours 20 minutes idle with steam up during which time 10 cwt. of coal was expended and nine engine hours and 675 wagon hours were wasted and eventually was relieved at 9.10 p.m., having completed his day's work; and, in view of the fact that this a common everyday experience, if he will ensure the proper use of rolling stock and manpower.
§ Mr. BarnesI am informed that the train was a mineral train consigned to West End Sidings, Hampstead, which arrived at Watling Street Junction, Cricklewood, at 1.50 p.m. on 5th December, but could not be taken into West End Sidings until 1 a.m. on 6th December because of congestion there. The driver could not be released as trains cannot be left standing on running lines without power. I am advised that this admittedly unsatisfactory state of affairs is abnormal, and that a close investigation into the whole mater is being made by the railway company.