Colonel NEWMANasked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard to the fact that if the finances of the railways had during the War been administered on economic lines by the raising of rates on goods and minerals to meet the necessary increase in expenses, the railways would at the present time be showing large balances over expenditure, he is 708W prepared to make any announcement on the subject before the close of the Session?
§ Mr. NEALAs regards the financial position of the railways during the period of control, I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the full information given in Command Paper 402. He will doubtless observe that there are serious deferred liabilities. With regard to the last part of the question, I hope shortly to make an announcement as to the increase in goods rates. The Rates Advisory Committee's Report was received yesterday and it is intended to take action upon it and publish it before the end of the year.