§ Mr. MARRIOTTasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total number of weekly wage earners at present employed by the railway companies under Government control; what was the corresponding number in July, 1914; what is the total amount paid in weekly wages no was compared with July, 1914; what are the present aggregate working expenses per passenger train mile; what proportion of these expenses is due to coal and wages, respectively; and whether it is the intention of the Government to reduce the present passenger fares?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have not the information necessary to enable me to answer the first five points raised in this question. As regards the last point, I am afraid that there is no present prospect of a reduction of railway fares being justified.