§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Transport what is the approximate number of railway wagons now awaiting repair; what proportion of these require major repairs; what is the approximate rental charge involved; whose responsibility it is to ensure that repairs are effected without unnecessary delay; and what prospects there are of reducing this number of idle wagons by the end of 1947.
§ Mr. BarnesThe number of railway-owned and requisitioned wagons under and awaiting repair on 22nd November was 182,082. About half required major repairs. The figure should fall to 160,000 by the end of the year. Owners of requisitioned wagons are paid from 3s. to 15s. per week according to type and age. The railways are responsible for maintaining their own fleet; they also assist in repair of requisitioned stock, for which my Department is primarily responsible until the British Transport Commission take over on 1st January next.