§ 68. Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will state the basis on which remuneration is paid to the British railway companies for the service abroad of the 439 locomotives, 3,000 wagons, and thirteen other trains which have been returned; and by whom the depreciation on the rolling stock is assessed?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)I have been asked to answer this question. Generally speaking, this rolling stock was supplied on loan by the railway companies. There is no special remuneration for its use apart from the general terms of the Government guarantee to the railway companies. On its return to this country, the stock is put into condition at the expense of Army funds, and the War Department have the right to consider the extent and cost of any work proposed for this purpose before it is undertaken, and, in case of dispute, to refer the matter to arbitration.
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the losses made by the railroads during the current year show what proportion of the loss is due to lack of sufficient rolling stock created by the Government requisitions during the War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot answer that without notice, but I am afraid it is not possible to do what the hon. Member suggests.