§ 41. Sir H. Williamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport why the L.P.T.B. was prohibited by him from publishing its working expenses.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI am advised that it would be contrary to the public interest to publish the working expenses of the London Passenger Transport Board.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs it not time that we now had some explanation as to why information cannot be published which cannot divulge any information to the enemy whatsoever?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI think the hon. Member makes a wrong assumption. I am assured by the competent authorities, whose advice I must accept, that it would divulge information of interest to the enemy.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhat is all this mystery about? How is it possible, if the working expenses of this Board are published, that the information can possibly afford any comfort to the enemy? Which particular item could afford such comfort? If there is any particular item which has to be undisclosed, let it be undisclosed.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWe cannot publish some items and not others. I will furnish to my hon. Friends, if they desire it, the advice I have been given. In any case we cannot give the hon. Member the figures he desires, because there is no clearance with the main line companies of working expenses. We could not get the figures out.
§ Sir H. WilliamsThen why say it is on grounds of security when it is on grounds of accountancy?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIt is on both grounds.
§ Mr. PetherickIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the profits of the main line railways are published? Is there any reason, as that does not seem to help the enemy, why the accounts of the London Passenger Transport Board should not be published?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerNot their working expenses.
§ Sir O. SimmondsWould the hon. Gentleman say whether the publication of this information would show the inefficiency of State control?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThat consideration has nothing to do with it.
§ Mr. ShinwellCould I ask my hon. Friend whether, in view of the obvious feeling of the House, he will reconsider this matter, and come forward with a statement?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir, I will certainly reconsider it, and if the hon. Member will put down a Question I will make another statement.