§ 37. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Transport if the decision to abandon the conversion of certain railway locomotives from coal to oil, which resulted in a loss of £3,000,000, was made before or after the railways were nationalised; and who bears the loss.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe decision to halt the conversion of further locomotives after 93 had been dealt with was taken before the railways vested in the British Transport Commission. The cost of the scheme has been borne mainly by the Government but it is too early to say what part of the expenditure may result in a loss.
§ Mr. GammansWhen the hon. Gentleman says the cost will be borne by the Government, am I to understand that that is another way of saying that the cost will be borne by the taxpayer?
§ Mr. CallaghanThe cost is borne on the Railway Control Commission account.