§ 17. Mr. Kershawasked the Minister of Transport what has been the value each year since 1948 of the sales of assets of British Railways, showing separately receipts from sales of property and of scrap.
§ Mr. John MorrisSince the Answer includes a large number of figures, I will with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. KershawWill the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that in selling off these properties the railways will be allowed to charge a commercial price, and that no influence will be exerted upon them to sell at an unfair price, even to local authorities?
§ Mr. MorrisThis is a matter within the competence of the Railways Board.
§ Following are the figures:
| Land and Buildings | Rolling Stock and other Capital Assets | |||
| £ m | £ m | |||
| 1948 | … | … | 1 | 2 |
| 1949 | … | … | — | 3 |
| 1950 | … | … | 1 | 1 |
| 1951 | … | … | 1 | 2 |
| 1952 | … | … | 2 | 2 |
| 1953 | … | … | 1 | 3 |
| 1954 | … | … | 1 | 3 |
| 1955 | … | … | 1 | 4 |
| 1956 | … | … | 1 | 4 |
| 1957 | … | … | — | 5 |
| 1958 | … | … | 1 | 6 |
| 1959 | … | … | 1 | 6 |
| 1960 | … | … | 1 | 3 |
| 1961 | … | … | 1 | 4 |
| 1962 | … | … | 2 | 9 |
| 1963 | … | … | 2 | 10 |
| 1964 | … | … | 5 | 10 |
| 1965 | … | … | 12 | 10 |
§ NOTE: In addition, sales of scrap stores and of material arising from maintenance work have in recent years realised about £10m per annum. Piecise figures are not available.