34. Captain A. EVANSasked the Minister of Transport if the personnel of the Standing Committee on Mineral Transport has yet been settled, and if private owners of railway wagons are represented?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe personnel of this Committee is not yet finally settled. The private wagon-owners concerned are principally colliery owners, coal factors and coal merchants, and these interests 1671 have been invited to make suggestions for membership.
§ Mr. BROMLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that it would be to the advantage of the railways and of the public if private ownership of railway wagons were abolished entirely?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat may be so, but the hon. Member knows, as well as I do, the great difficulties which surround this question and the very considerable expense which would be entailed.