§ Mr. SWANasked the Minister of Transport if it is now possible to restore 1446W the passenger train service throughout the country equal to what existed before the War, as there now exists no shortage either of coal or man-power, but there is a surplus of both which can be drawn from to meet the requirement?
§ Sir E. GEDDESIn the existing financial situation of the railways, and in view of the fact that the percentage of increase in wages and materials is much higher than the percentage increase in fares, very stringent economy in railway operation is necessary, and only such passenger services as are essential to carry the traffic offering should be run. I could not support the restoration of unremunerative services. The present time of trade depression and high railway costs is no time to give a more costly service.