HC Deb 25 July 1956 vol 557 cc389-90
6. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if his consultations with the British Transport Commission on its financial position have been completed; and what action it is proposed to take in regard thereto.

27. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress is being made in the talks between his Department and the British Transport Commission on the question of increased efficiency in the Commission's services.

Mr. Watkinson

The six months' period does not end until 18th September and a vast field of inquiry has to be covered by the Commission. My consultations with it are continuing to make good progress and, as I have already promised, I will inform the House of the results as soon as I can.

Mr. Davies

Yes, but if the period ends in September, the House will be in Recess. How is the House to be informed? Is it proposed to publish a White Paper? Will there be an opportunity for debate following these consultations? Finally, will the Minister make certain that he takes no irrevocable step during the Recess of Parliament?

Mr. Watkinson

I am quite willing to tell the hon. Gentleman, and I think it will meet his point, that I shall only announce this in Parliament, which I think is the right and proper place to do it.

Mr. Davies

Will a White Paper be published?

Mr. Jones

The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that the returns of the British Transport Commission show that it was £70 million "in the red" at the end of last year and most people believe that the deficit is now running at a rate of £45 million. Cannot the Minister possibly tell the House what he proposes to do about the £115 million deficit?

Mr. Watkinson

I shall tell the House at the proper time. I have just said that this is the proper place to announce it. With regard to the deficit, which is well known to all hon. Members, the responsibility for it certainly does not lie only on my shoulders or on this Government.