HC Deb 01 July 1909 vol 7 cc600-1
Mr. SUMMERBELL

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the railway companies in Great Britain and Ireland who are the owners of docks and harbours; where each is situated; the amount of the dock dues charged, if any; and whether the accounts of such companies are so kept as to be able to distinguish as between dock and railway revenue, showing the profit and loss under each head; and, as to the latter, if not, is he prepared to take action in regard to all future railway and dock Bills having for its object the compelling of such companies to so arrange their balance sheets as to place under separate headings the revenue from the railway and the docks?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Tennant)

Information as to the docks and harbours owned by railway companies is not published in any very convenient form, but I will send the hon. Member a list of such docks and harbours and the owning companies, prepared by the Board of Trade from the Return of Harbour Authorities, presented to Parliament in 1903 [No. 3250 of 1903], and from other information in their possession. The revenue and expenditure from docks is not shown separately in railway companies' accounts as now rendered; but the Departmental Committee, which has recently reported on Railway Companies' Accounts and Statistics, recommended a form of account which would give this information. The Committee's recommendations are now being very carefully considered.

Mr. SUMMERBELL

Do I understand that it is impossible to tell this income and expenditure under separate headings of the railways and harbours of railway companies?

Mr. TENNANT

No; I did not state that. I only stated that they were not published in a convenient form. I think I shall be able to furnish my hon. Friend with the information desired.

Mr. SUMMERBELL

Do I understand that the accounts of the railways and harbours are published in convenient form understandable by the public, showing the amount received from the railways and the amount received from the harbours and docks?

Mr. TENNANT

No; I do not think they are. My hon. Friend will understand I only state that they do happen to be arranged in this manner. I dare say amendment will be made.

Mr. J. RAMSAY MACDONALD

Might we have a list of the harbours and docks specified in this question sent with the Papers?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, I think I shall be able to do that.