§ Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of War Transport if he will issue a statement showing the percentage increase in passengers and freight traffic carried by the Southern Railway in the years 1938 and 1945, respectively, including special trains for military and other purposes; and the number of the staff in each year.
§ Mr. BarnesThe information available as to passenger miles originating and ton miles of freight traffic on the Southern Railway in 1945 indicates increases of 95 per cent. in passenger traffic and 31 per cent. in freight traffic over 1938. The staff in 1938 was approximately 68,8oo and in 1945, 67,600, of whom a large proportion were temporary and less experienced.