§ 69. Mr. SUGDENasked the Minister of Transport what steps will be taken to permit railway companies opportunity to raise any further necessary capital which is urgently needed for extension of their usefulness to traders and the public generally?
§ Sir E. GEDDESNo obstacle has ever been placed in the way of railway companies as regards raising capital. Further, in order that the controlled railway companies may be encouraged to spend the capital necessary to provide the facilities required by traders and the public, the Government allows during the period of possession interest at 5 per cent, on approved capital expenditure or new works and additional rolling stock, and such interest begins to accrue from the date on which the expenditure is incurred. A sum of about £14,000,000 has been so approved by the Ministry after most careful scrutiny and examination.