§ 88 and 89. Mr. A. Edward Daviesasked the Minister of Transport (1) what response has been made to his appeal for a quicker turn-round of wagons; and what further action is proposed to secure improvement;
(2) whether any increase of demurrage charges has been or is being imposed to enforce the more rapid discharge of railway wagons.
§ Mr. CallaghanAction taken by Government Departments, the National Production Advisory Council for Industry, the Regional Boards, the National Joint Advisory Council, the National Coal Board and by the railways themselves has led to an improvement, but too many wagons are still held under load too long. Demurrage charges are at present under examination.
10W
§ Mr. Sparksasked the Minister of Transport the number of wagons on the four main line railways standing under inwards and outwards load for more than 48 hours on any average day at the nearest convenient date.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe number of wagons standing under inward load more than 48 hours at close of work on Friday, 24th October, was 20,206, but this does not include wagons covered by standage schemes. Figures for wagons under outward load are not available.