40. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Transport whether he will recommend the withdrawal of the guarantee to the railway companies of their pre-war dividends in order that there may be a greater inducement to the railway companies to effect more efficient organisation and greater economy in working so that traffic will be more expeditiously handled?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI cannot recommend the withdrawal of the guarantee given to the railway companies, because it is in fulfillment of an undertaking entered into by the late Government in 1916.