§ 26. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Transport the amount of pilferings which took place on the railways in 1938; 19 and the amount which was reported in 1946.
§ Mr. BarnesSeparate figures for pilferage are not available, but the amounts paid by the railway companies in respect of claims for articles lost or stolen in 1938 and 1946 were, respectively, £180,462 and £2,441,023.
§ Mr. ShepherdIn view of the startling increase in the value of items lost or stolen, is the Minister able to say what steps are being taken to reduce the amount?
§ Mr. BarnesRailway companies have always taken a serious view of this matter, and exercised the greatest activity to try to minimise it.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister aware that what applies to railway companies, applies in general all over the country and that much of it arises from the fact that there are so many deserters, with no ration books or standing of any kind, and will he discuss with other Members of the Government the releasing of these men?