§ 24. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Transport whether he will review the financial provisions for the Government control of railways specified in Cmd. 6168; and whether he is able to indicate to the House the nature of any alternative proposals he intends to make?
§ The Minister of Transport (Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon)As I have already explained, in reply to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander), it is now necessary to take into account recent developments, including the statement made by the Prime Minister on 8th October regarding the Government's plan for war damage, and I regret, therefore, that I am not at present in a position to make any statement.
§ Mr. RidleyIs the Minister aware of the increasing volume of criticism as to the way in which this agreement is now operating, and of the growing demand for the public ownership and control of the railways?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI am quite aware of what my hon. Friend has brought to my attention.
§ 25. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Transport whether he can now announce the terms of the Report of the Charges (Railway Control) Consultative Committee on the matter of increased railway costs; and what steps he proposes to take?
Lieut.-ColonelMoore-BrabazonI regret that I am not yet able to make any announcement on the matter, but I hope to be in a position to do so very shortly.
§ Mr. RidleyDoes that mean that if I put down a Question for this day week, the Minister may be able to make a statement?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI think so.
§ Mr. George GriffithsDoes the Minister understand the disquiet of the public on this question, and will he keep the matter under consideration?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonYes, Sir.