§ 62. Sir P. Hannonasked the Under-secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if in view of the contemplated acquisition of the railways of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by the State, he will inquire of the Governments of Canada and Australia as to the results of the State management of railways in these Dominions previous to the outbreak of war and lay the replies before the House.
§ Mr. ParkerDetailed information as to the working of Government-owned railways in the Dominions is contained in official publications issued by the respective Governments, and my Noble Friend sees no reason for any special inquiry.
§ Sir P. HannonWould not the Undersecretary think it desirable, in view of the statement made with regard to the nationalisation of transport in this country, that further inquiries should be made into the circumstances under which these projects were a complete failure?
§ Mr. ParkerI cannot accept the view that they were a complete failure. The 20 hon. Member will find that most of the Dominions have very successfully operated Government railway undertakings.
§ Mr. BossomMay I suggest that the Minister should put the whole of these Reports in the Library so that we can have a look at them?
§ Mr. ParkerIf there is any demand for that, we will be pleased to consider it.
§ Captain MarsdenWill the Minister simultaneously study the services and financial results of those railways run by private enterprise?