§ 19. Mr. MYERSasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the expenditure incurred by the Caledonian Railway Company in connection with the Gleneagles golf course and hydropathic; whether he is aware that the cost of this scheme is variously estimated at from £300,000 to —500,000; whether his sanction was necessary or his approval sought in connection with this expenditure; and whether free railway passes were granted to prominent golfers attending the opening meetings on the course?
§ Sir E. GEDDESMy attention has not previously been drawn to this expenditure, and no application for its approval has been received. If it affect the account of the company with His Majesty's Government, the expenditure will be dealt with on its merits under the terms of the Railway Agreement. I have no information regarding the last portion of the hon. Member's question.
Sir J. D. REESMay I ask whether the Caledonian Railway Board are not best likely to know what would improve the position of their shareholders and develop their traffic?
§ Sir E. GEDDESYes, and they are at liberty to do whatever they think best, provided they have not run the State into expenditure.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHave we not undertaken to make up the loss to this railway company while the right hon. Gentleman's Department is in being, and, therefore, does it not very much affect the public accounts?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe railway companies, during the temporary guarantee by the Government, have continued their ordinary practice in these matters. I have no reason to believe that they are doing anything but pursuing that practice.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIf the right hon. Gentleman can look after charges for champagne, surely he can look into the price made for professional golfers?