§ 65. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Minister of Transport if he has any figure showing what savings have been made in the cost of running the railways since they were grouped together in 1921?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Herbert Morrison)The grouping of the railways under the provisions of the Railways Act, 1921, was not completed until 1923. I regret that I am not in a position to give the hon. Member any figures of economies effected as a result of the grouping as distinct from reductions in cost due to other causes, but particulars of railway expenditure under various heads are shown in detail in the Annual Railway returns.
§ Sir W. DAVISONCan the right hon. Gentleman say generally whether the costs of the railways have substantially increased or decreased?
§ Mr. MORRISONIf the hon. Gentleman will consult the report of the Royal Commission, their view is that there is a reduction in expenses consequent upon amalgamation, but they themselves do not feel able to give a figure.