§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention had been directed to the enhanced dividends earned by the London and North Western Railway Company, the Midland Railway Company, and the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, as a consequence of new working agreements in limitation of competition; and whether, in view of the remarkable results accomplished, he would submit legislation to combine the entire British railway service under public ownership, to effect further economies, to assist the public revenue, and to stimulate British Home and Foreign trade as is done in Germany?
Mr. BUXTONI am aware that the railway companies named have, like others, declared increased dividends, but I do not know how far the increase may be connected with the working arrangements between the companies. As my hon. Friend is aware, the whole question of railway working agreements and combinations is at present under consideration by a Departmental Committee, and, pending receipt of their report, it would be premature to consider any question of legislation.
§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that the profits of the national railways in Germany are now large enough to meet the entire cost of armaments?
An HON. MEMBERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are thousands of dismissals of railway men as a consequence of this agreement, and is he prepared to introduce legislation to reduce the hours?
Mr. BUXTONI must ask hon. Members to wait until I have had an opportunity of considering the report of a Departmental Committee, which has been appointed.