19. Major NEWMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the White Paper showing the actual cost of working the railways during the period of Government control, he is able to allay the anxiety of holders of railway stock caused by the published result of such control and the prospect of the nationalisation of their property by any assurance that the rights of the stockholder will be fully preserved during the further period of Government control, and their property, if not taken from them by the State, returned to them at the end of such period on terms that will permit of their being able to carry on their business with a reasonable chance of success?
§ Sir A. GEDDESFor the period during which the present Government control continues the basis of compensation now obtaining will remain. I am afraid I cannot make any statement to cover the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question.
Major NEWMANWill the right hon. Gentleman instruct the Railway Executive Committee to issue half-yearly or quarterly a report of the working of the-railways to the shareholders?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI will consider and look into the suggestion of my hon. Friend and see if it is possible.
Mr. KENNEDY JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in the event of nationalisation being decided upon as a policy the Government have considered the basis upon which such scheme will be carried out?
§ Sir A. GEDDESI am not aware that any announcement has been made in this House that nationalisation has been decided upon. Naturally at the time that such a decision is arrived at the basis of such scheme will be announced also.