§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Works why it is proposed to spend £1,000,000 on pre-stressed concrete sleepers for resale to railway companies for £700,000; whether these are more expensive than wooden sleepers; and why an economic price is not charged.
§ Mr. KeyPre-stressed concrete sleepers are being ordered owing to the serious shortage of wooden sleepers. They are more expensive than wooden sleepers but their cost cannot yet be finally determined. The full cost will be charged to the railway companies, and it is anticipated that £700,000 will be recovered in 1947–48.