HC Deb 17 November 1947 vol 444 cc792-3
14. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Transport the gross receipts from railway working on the four main line railways in 1947 to the nearest convenient date, and the comparable periods in 1946 and 1945, disregarding for this purpose any increases in rates and charges made since 1945.

Mr. Callaghan

The gross receipts from traffic originating on the four main line railways, including joint lines, for the 44 weeks ended 2nd November, 1947, expressed at 1945 levels of rates and charges, and the comparative figures for a similar period in 1946 and in 1945, are estimated to be £221 million, £255 million and £292 million, respectively.

Mr. Sparks

To what cause does my hon. Friend attribute this reduction in revenue?

Mr. Callaghan

To two factors, I should think: the decline in passenger traffic, and the decline in freight traffic on Government account.