HC Deb 30 May 1949 vol 465 cc1702-3
3. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Minister of Transport what was the amount of pilferage on the railways in 1938, 1946 and 1947, respectively.

Mr. Barnes

Separate 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, 1946 and 1947, were, respectively. £180,462, £2,441,023 and £2,671,383.

Mr. Shepherd

Is the Minister able to confirm that the figure for last year is even more disastrous than for 1947, and will he say what the Railway Executive are doing to save this wholesale loss?

Mr. Barnes

As the hon. Member knows, last year is a matter for the British Transport Commission, but figures have been got out and I have arranged for them to be forwarded to the hon. Member.