asked the Minister of Transport whether the recent agreement guaranteeing the profits of railway companies relieves the directors from responsibility for looking after the convenience of the travelling public using long-distance passenger trains?

The control which I exercise through the Railway Executive Committee was taken in order that the railways should be operated in accordance with urgent national requirements in war-time. These, on different occasions and in varying degrees, inevitably interfere with the convenience of passengers. The financial arrangements between the Government and the railway companies have no effect upon the position.

Is the Minister aware that the reduction which was made in the number of trains has caused considerable inconvenience to the public? When shall we be able to get back to the ordinary schedule?

I regret the inconvenience, and I hope we shall be able to get back to the ordinary service when we can do without these numbers of special coal trains.