21. Captain BENNasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state precisely the nature of the Franco-Belgian administration of the Rhineland railways; what personnel will be engaged on the railways; who will decide the amount and character of the traffic; into what fund surplus receipts will be paid; and whether he will state precisely how far these arrangements affect the railways running through the British-occupied zone?
§ Mr. McNEILLI regret that His Majesty's Government are not in a position to furnish these particulars.
§ Mr. McNEILLI should not like to say that. The hon. and gallant Gentleman is asking for very voluminous particulars on an immense number of details which it would involve an immense amount of work to obtain, and I really do not know that there is a staff on the spot which could supply it, without requiring a considerable amount of notice.
Captain BENNDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise that this control of the railways in the occupied territory is a very vital matter for British interests, and is not the House of Commons entitled to have particulars from our representative?
§ Mr. McNEILLThat. I cannot say, but it is impossible to give those particulars at the very short notice the hon. and gallant Gentleman has given. I quite realise it is a vital matter.
§ Mr. McNEILLI will communicate privately with the hon. and gallant Gentleman.