HC Deb 15 November 1939 vol 353 c695
28. Mr. De la Bére

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in connection with the compensation payable by the Government to the railways, an acceptable formula has now been arrived at; and at what date it will be possible to announce the terms?

The Minister of Transport (Captain Wallace)

All I can say at the moment is that discussions on this complex subject are proceeding and that the importance of reaching an early settlement is fully realised.

Mr. De la Bére

Is it not a fact that some scheme for nationalising the railways is under consideration by the Ministry of Transport now, and is that the reason why the delay in making payments to the railways has been so long?

Captain Wallace

If it is under consideration in the Ministry of Transport, it has certainly not reached the Minister yet.

Mr. De la Bére

In view of the strange nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I propose at the earliest opportunity to raise the whole matter on the Adjournment.