§ 27. Mr. Silkinasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that the increased revenue for 1940 of the main line railways and the London Passenger Transport undertaking exceeds the increased working costs of these under takings by nearly £7,000,000, he will give an assurance that no further increases in railway charges will be sanctioned in respect of the increased working costs in 1940?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThe figure mentioned by my hon. Friend does not take account of a number of items, including losses on collection and delivery services and other ancillary businesses, which reduce the £7,000,000 to about £2,500,000. The increase in net receipts on railway working was due in the main to increased traffic and was wholly earned in the first six months of 1940, in comparison with the first six months of 1939, when traffic was low. My hon. Friend is, I know, fully aware of the principles underlying the financial arrangements at present existing between the Government and the controlled undertakings, and he must, therefore, realise that I cannot give him the assurance for which he asks.
§ Mr. SilkinDoes not my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that there will be very considerable dissatisfaction in the public mind if fares are increased while the railway companies are making increased profits?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI am fully aware of that, I can assure my hon. Friend.