3. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Transport what deficit was incurred by British Railways in 1968.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe British Railways Board's final accounts for 1968 are not yet available, but the Board provisionally estimates that its total deficit for the year was about £147 million.
Mr. TaylorIn view of the substantial write-offs of capital under the Transport Act and the subsidies that are provided for, does the Minister anticipate that in 1969 the Railways Board will break even or possibly make a surplus?
§ Mr. CarmichaelWe anticipate that with the realistic opportunity which is being given to the Railways Board under the Transport Act there is every possibility and hope that it will break even.