§ 2. Sir NORTON GRIFFITHSasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was the expenditure of the railway companies of the United Kingdom in 1913 in respect of wages and salaries and materials and other items; what is the estimated expenditure for the current year under these two headings; (2) what were the gross receipts of the railways of the United Kingdom during the year 1913, and what are the estimated gross receipts for the present year on the basis of the existing fares and rates?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANSuch information as is available in regard to railway receipts and expenditure in 1913 will be found in the Railway Returns for that year. The prescribed form of railway accounts does not, however, enable the total expenditure on wages, salaries and materials respectively to be stated. As regards corresponding information in respect of recent years the Government, as I have previously said, are considering in what form the figures can best be made public.
§ 4. Sir NORTON GRIFFITHSasked what percentage changes are needed in railway fares and rates on the basis of existing traffic to provide sufficient additional revenue in order to prevent any charge falling upon the Exchequer under the railway agreement, assuming that all Government traffic is paid for at the same rates as private traffic?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo estimate has been framed of what would be the necessary increase in fares and rates on the assumption suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, and I regret that I cannot give the information desired.