76. Mr. PALMERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether claims made under the State guarantee to the railways are, in the first instance, considered and determined by the financial department of the Ministry of Transport; in what circumstances such claims are remitted to the Treasury; and whether the final appeal is to the Railway and Canal Traffic Commissioners?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINClaims are investigated and considered, both technically and from an audit point of view, by the Ministry of Transport in conjunction with the Committee of Railway Accountants and also the Government Consulting Accountants. Before paying the claims, the Ministry of Transport consults the Treasury whenever the authority of that Department is necessary, and the closest touch is maintained between the two Departments. Under the Railway Agree- 2597 ments any question between the Government and the companies as to the amount of the deficiency may, in default of agreement, be determined by the Railway and Canal Commission.