HC Deb 14 November 1956 vol 560 cc938-9
28. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the total amount realised to date by disposal of assets of the road haulage undertaking of the British Transport Commission; and the total loss incurred.

Mr. Watkinson

I would refer the hon. Member to the Seventh Report of the Road Haulage Disposal Board for the latest available figures of the total amount realised. Under the Transport (Disposal of Road Haulage Property) Act, 1956, I am no longer required to make estimates of the total loss incurred by the Commission but I have no reason to believe that any amendment is necessary to my last estimate which I gave in reply to a Question by the hon. Member on 1st February, 1956.

Mr. Davies

Since the total of the amounts realised from these unnecessary sales is £24½ million, and the Minister has previously estimated losses at only £13 million, does he still think, in view of the fact that the original cost was about three times more than the amount realised, that the loss will be so limited to £13 million? Does he not agree with the Transport Commission's Report that the Commission will have to write off a further loss to meet the deficit?

Mr. Watkinson

What I think is that this account is now closed, on lines approved and settled by the House.