§ 41. Sir John Mellorasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of his claim that the Railway Control Agreement constituted fair consideration for the stockholders, he will, subject to the consent of the railway companies and so soon as national security allows, publish the correspondence and records of discussions which led to the acceptance of the financial provisions.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)As I told my hon. Friend in answer to a question on 8th December last, the negotiations which led up to the Railway Control Agreement were confidential and I regret, therefore, that it would be contrary to the public interest to publish either the correspondence or the records of the discussions which took place.
§ Sir J. MellorWhy cannot this be done provided that all the parties agree?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI cannot add to what I have said, because after the war my Noble Friend will consider the whole question of publication on its merits.
§ Sir J. MellorBut as many shareholders have been deprived of the possibility of dividends for the duration by this Agreement, will my hon. Friend reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI do not accept that statement.