asked the Minister of Transport whether in connection with the recent representations which he has received from representatives of the four main-line groups with regard to the present railway position he has given consideration to the views of the light and other minor railway companies; and whether he will give an assurance that in taking any action in this matter or in setting up any inquiry he will have due regard to the interests of such companies?

I can assure my hon. Friend that in connection with any action that I may take arising out of the representations to which he refers the interests of the non-amalgamated railway companies will not be overlooked.