§ 39. Mr. HOGGEasked the Minister of Transport whether he can give an estimate of the loss to the railways in consequence of the coal stoppage?
§ Mr. NEALIt is not possible to ascertain accurately the direct and indirect loss to the railway companies by the coal stoppage, but the following figures may enable my hon. Friend to form an estimate. The claims against the Government shown in the accounts presented by the controlled railways for the month of March last amounted to nearly £3,500,000, and for the month of April the preliminary figures to hand indicate claims of from £9,000,000 to £9,500,000. No later figures are available.