§ 12. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the fact that the permanent ways of the railway systems of this island should be made national assets owing to their use in both peace and war and should be maintained at national expense, he will consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with a view to introducing legislation to this effect.
§ Mr. MaclayNo, Sir. I see no ground for such action.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister realise that permanent way maintenance cost is 19 the chief obstacle in the way of our railways being used as a really national service? Is the Minister anxious that the railways should be used as a national service, and if so, will he remove this obstacle?
§ Mr. MaclayThe suggestion of the hon. and learned Member has been put forward on a good many occasions in the past. It has been studied very many times, and I do not think I can add to the reply I have given.