HC Deb 02 March 1960 vol 618 cc1215-7
43. Mr. Cooper

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the future financial and administrative organisation of the British Transport Commission.

Mr. Marples

I am not in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Cooper

In view of the very grave apprehensions throughout the country about the affairs of the British Transport Commission, can my right hon. Friend give any indication of when he will be able to make such a statement?

Mr. Marples

It will be fairly quickly, but I prefer that the statement should be accurate and comprehensive rather than that it should be made too soon.

Mr. Benn

Does not the fact that the Guillebaud Report will be out today or tomorrow necessitate an early statement, and is not a debate on the whole subject now becoming very urgent?

Mr. Marples

I have already given an assurance that I will make a statement at the earliest possible moment. I realise that the Guillebaud Report will be out this week. A debate is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House.

Mr. Nabarro

May I appeal to my right hon. Friend—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—in the presence of the Leader of the House—[HON. MEMBERS: "Question."]—is he aware—

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is very difficult to conduct Questions. I know what fun shouting is, but sometimes we have to refrain from indulging ourselves.

Mr. Nabarro

I am very grateful for your protection, Sir. Is it not a fact that the finances of the British Transport Commission in their present condition have very grave implications in the context of the Budget? Cannot hon. Members on this side of the House, as well as hon. Members opposite, be assured that there will be a debate well before the Budget so that the advance in railwaymen's wages is not used as an excuse for failing to reduce taxation in the Budget?

Mr. Marples

I am grateful for those preliminary views of my hon. Friend, but the question of a debate is for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House.

Mr. Nabarro

Of course, but I have said it in his presence.

Mr. Marples

No doubt he will attach to it the same weight which he always gives to observations from my hon. Friend.

Mr. Benn

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will not allow his hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) to bully him into any further inactivity?

Mr. Marples

I do not think that I shall allow my hon. Friend to bully me, although at times his appearance is somewhat formidable.