§ 52. Mr. PETOasked the Minister of Munitions whether ho intends to take any steps to reduce the cost and delays in handling goods traffic on the railways of Great Britain; and whether he is aware that the cost per ton mile in this country of conveying goods and minerals was in 1913 about three times the cost in Germany?
§ Mr. PRETYMANMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Some delays are unavoidable owing to the abnormal quantity of goods at present passing by rail, but the general control of traffic by the Railway Executive Committee has, I think, been very successful. I am not aware what authority the hon. Member has for his statement with regard to the comparative cost of railway carriage in this country and in Germany.
§ Mr. PETOWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the Returns which are published annually in future give the definite cost per ton mile, which is the only figure by which a proper estimate can be made?
§ 58. Mr. PETOasked the President of the Board of Trade when any Returns of railway traffic and costs will be issued which can be compared with Returns for the year 1912 and before; and when the Returns for 1914 will be issued?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe Railway Returns for 1913, which will be laid before Parliament shortly, have been framed in accordance with the requirements of the Railway Companies (Accounts and Returns) Act, 1911, and will not be strictly comparable in all respects with those for previous years. In view of the special arrangements under which the railways are now being operated it is not intended to publish any further detailed Returns until conditions I have again become normal.