HC Deb 26 October 1920 vol 133 cc1536-7
Mr. A. M. SAMUEL (by, Private Notice)

asked the Minister of Transport whether the sittings of Lord Colwyn's Committee on railway agreements will be held in public?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Sir Eric Geddes)

The Railway Agreements involve questions affecting hundreds of millions of pounds, and must result eventually in a contest of negotiation or legal arbitrament between the railway companies and the Minister of Transport as regards a large portion of that sum. I feel sure that this House, the public and the Press will not wish a natural desire for publicity to embarrass those entrusted with the conduct of the public case, vis-avis the railway companies. Having regard to the very high standing of the members of the Committee, and to the character of the inquiry, I feel that it must be left to them to decide as to what measure of publicity can be given, consistently with the public interest. Whilst I would welcome the widest information on the subject, that is of insignificant importance compared to the interest of the community.

Mr. W. THORNE

I understand the Minutes of the proceedings will be taken every day; will, therefore, the right hon. Gentleman take it upon himself to see that every Member of the House gets a copy of these proceedings day by day?

Sir E. GEDDES

I think we had better leave that to the Committee, that they should give the proceedings such publicity as they think fit.

Forward to