101. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Transport if she is satisfied with the manner in which British Railways are now keeping financial accounts for freight liner services; what was the net profit, after charging all direct and indirect costs and collection and delivery charges, made by this service during the six months to 30th April, 1967, or any other convenient period; and what was the charge made against net profit in respect of track.
§ Mrs. CastleThe Railways Board are statutorily required to maintain proper accounts. Subject to my powers of direction in relation to annual statements, the manner in which they do this is a matter for them. At the present stage of development of the freight liner services I consider that it would be contrary to the Board's commercial interest to disclose the information requested, but before giving my approval to investment by the Railways Board in freight liner facilities I satisfy myself that the investment is economically justifiable and that it will make an appropriate contribution to track and other indirect costs after covering direct costs.