§ 26. Mr. HANNONasked the Minister of Transport whether the Electricity Com- 1442 missioners have been consulted on the extension of the electrification schemes of the Southern Railway Company; and if such extension schemes have had their approval?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe approval of schemes for these extensions of railway electrification is not a matter in which the Electricity Commissioners are directly concerned.
§ Mr. HANNONSurely, a very large guarantee has been given under the Trade Facilities Act, and is not the Minister to have any voice in the disposal of the funds so raised?
§ Colonel ASHLEYMy information is that there is no Trade Facilities guarantee in this case.
§ Mr. HANNONSurely, there is a very large guarantee, as the Minister must know, in the case of the Southern Railway, for the electrification of the South-Eastern section?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNot with regard to any new electrification scheme; the others are past and done with.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the Minister exercise his influence with this railway to keep work in this country where it is possible to do so?