§ Mr. S. Marshallasked the Minister of Transport what reduction of his staff is contemplated now that the whole of railway administration is handed over to the British Transport Commission.
§ Mr. BarnesDuring the period of control of the railways, the staff employed in my Department, in addition to those required for my continuing statutory responsibilities, was not large. The detailed administration of the railways was performed, under my general direction, by the Railway Executive Committee and not by my Department. The transfer of direct responsibility for detailed administration to the British Transport Commission will not, therefore, reduce substantially the work of my Department, which is mainly concerned with the many important statutory responsibilities remaining in my hands. Immediately before the 1st January, 1948, the staff employed on matters relating to railways was 84. It has now been reduced to 73 and further reductions will be made when matters arising out of control have been cleared.