§ Colonel MILDMAY(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether it is a fact that any railway companies, and, in such case which companies, have made claim upon the Government involving a payment by the taxpayer of an additional sum of £400,000,000 over and above the sum paid to them during the War, the contention of the Government being that a total payment of but £120,000,000 is due in this connection?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Sir Eric Geddes)As is well known by the House, the amount of expenditure involved in the 1914 Guarantee of the net revenue of the railway companies is now approximately £300,000,000 per annum. 438 The outstanding liabilities under the other Government Agreements is under enquiry by Lord Colwyn's Committee, but no final claim has been put forward, and no admission of Government liability made. I am unable to recognise either of the sums mentioned by my right hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask whether any of the trade unions are responsible for this?
§ Sir F. BANBURYYes.