§ 40. Mr. GILBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has appointed a Committee to consider the position of the railways after the War, as regards either State purchase or continuing the present Government control; will he state the names of the members of the Committee and their references; and if the Ministry of Reconstruction is represented thereon?
Sir A. STANLEYI am afraid there has been some misapprehension in connection with this matter. The Board of Trade, in consultation with the Ministry of Reconstruction, are giving close attention to the problems that will arise when the present war control of railways ceases. In connection with various aspects of these problems the Board are being advised by a number of gentlemen possessing expert knowledge or experience. The names of these gentlemen are as follows:
They do not, however, constitute a formal committee, and there are, therefore, no terms of reference.
- Mr. W. M. Acworth
- Mr. W. W. Berry
- Sir John Bradbury
- Sir Gilbert Claughton
- Sir Thomas Ratcliffe Ellis
- Mr. Kenneth Lee
- Sir Ernest Moir
- Mr. Ernest Moon
- Sir William Plender
- Mr. F. Potter
- Sir David Shackleton
- Sir H. Babington Smith
- Mr. H. Steel
- Mr. J. H. Thomas
- Sir Herbert Walker
- Mr. Sydney Webb
- Mr. A. A. Wyon
§ Mr. G. TERRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the House is consulted before any definite action of a committal character is taken?
Sir A. STANLEYI have no hesitation in giving a pledge of that kind. Certainly nothing will be done without consulting the House.
§ Mr. LOUGHWill the right hon. Gentleman give a more definite explanation of the duties of this Committee, seeing that there are no terms of reference?