§ 24. Sir J. POWERasked the Minister of Transport the mileage of railway track operated electrically now and at the end of 1918?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)The annual railway returns for Great Britain were suspended for the years 1914 to 1918 (inclusive) and particulars of the mileage of railway track operated electrically at the end of the latter year are not available in my Department. At the 31st December, 1919, 821 track miles were worked either wholly or partly by electric traction compared with 1,241 track miles at the 31st December, 1926. The corresponding figure at 31st December, 1913, was 502 track miles.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes not this progress compare unfavourably with the progress made with the electrification of the railways in France and Italy?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI would not like to answer that question without notice.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONDo these figures include the local railways of London, such as the District Railway?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, I think so.