§ MR. CHIOZZA MONEYI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the total cost to the nation of the present Government control and inspection of the railways of the United Kingdom, including the salaries of the Railway Commissioners and a proper quota of the Board of Trade Vote.
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEThe cost of the Railway Department of the Board of Trade during the year 1905–6, including salaries, travelling and legal expenses, etc., was £12,847. This does not include cost of office accommodation or printing, or certain other expenses that cannot be allocated. On the other hand the Railway Department also deals with tramways and other subjects not connected with railways, so that for my hon. friend's purposes a considerable deduction, the amount of which cannot be accurately 753 estimated, should be made on this account. The Railway and Canal Commission is a judicial body and not a Department of the Board of Trade. I am informed that the expenditure of that body in 1905–6 amounted to £6,140.