Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the statement made at the time of the recent railway strike by an ex-Minister of the Crown that the railways are making a profit at the rate of £45,000,000 a year at the present time; whether this is correct; and, if so, can he hold out any hope of an early reduction in the present excessive travelling charges?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am aware that various inaccurate calculations of the results of railway working have appeared in the Press. I am arranging to lay a White Paper which will give the fullest available information, and the hon. and gallant Member will then be able to see the financial position. I can hold out no such hope as is suggested in the latter part of the question.