asked the Minister of Transport to what extent he has accepted financial responsibility for losses incurred by the British Transport Commission as the result of his directions to them to cut their passenger traffic on the railways.

I have not directed the Commission to cut their rail passenger services. In common with industry the railways have had to accept a reduction in their deliveries of coal and to meet this have found it necessary to take off a number of trains. I am not in a position to accept any financial liability for any losses which may result.