§ 24. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any communication from the railway companies relating to the electrification of main line railways; and can he give particulars and state what his reply has been?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Herbert Morrison)I have within the last few days, received a communication from the Railway Companies' Association in regard to this matter, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement.
§ Mr. MORRISONYes. The technical officers of the railway companies have examined it, but the reply has only just been received, and I would rather not say more at this stage.
§ Mr. HANNONIs it not a fact that the question of the electrification of railways has been before the House repeatedly, and that promises have been 1264 made from time to time of a definite statement as to the intention of the railway companies? When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to tell the House?
§ Mr. MORRISONI hope that the hon. Gentleman does not think that I am the railway companies. They belong to private owners, and I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will respect their rights more than I should. The reply has only just been received, and I do not think there has been undue delay.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSIn other words, the private companies are much more efficient than the Minister?