HC Deb 03 November 1947 vol 443 cc152-4W
72. Major Bruce

asked the Minister of Transport the number of locomotives and railway wagons that have been sent for repair to the Royal Dockyards since August, 1945.

Mr. Callaghan

The general offer of assistance by the Royal Dockyards in 1946 had to be declined because of a shortage of materials for repair work. With the recent improvement in the supply of materials, the proposal is being urgently reconsidered, and wagons and materials are already being sent to Rosyth.

78. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Transport the number of serviceable locomotives in operation on the four main line railways; and the number of serviceable wagons, including those of private owners, available for freight traffic, at the nearest convenient date and in 1944 and 1938; and by what percentages freight tonnage weekly averages in 1947 compare with 1944 and 1938.

Mr. Callaghan

As the answer involves a number of figures I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Railway stock—

1947. 1944. 1938.
Locomotives available (June) 16,611 17,680 15,872*
Wagons available (October) 1,020,760 1,171,482 1,194,800 (estimated.)

Rolling stock availability in comparison with traffic—

1947 as Percentage of—
1944. 1938.
Locomotives available 94.0 104.65
Wagons available 87.1 85.4
Freight tonnage originating (4 weeks to 6th September). 98.4 106.3
Net ton-miles 90.7 135.6
* Excluding 205 in store.

NOTE.—It is doubtful if the figures for locomotives for 1938 and subsequent years are strictly comparable.

89. Mr. Boothby

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that miles of railway wagons are standing idle on the line between Ellon and Boddam; and what action it is proposed to take regarding this.

Mr. Callaghan

The Ellon-Boddam Branch line is one of the places used for storing wagons awaiting repair. For some months breakdowns have exceeded the number of repairs, but in September more wagons were put into service than broke down.

90. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Transport how many railway wagons on the four main line railways are standing under demurrage on any average day at the nearest convenient date.

Mr. Callaghan

The number of wagons standing under inward load for more than 48 hours on 17th October was 21,196, but this does not include the substantial number of wagons covered by standage schemes to which most of the large users of wagons adhere.