Railway Companies (Control)

10.

 Mr. Ridley
asked the Minister of Transport what financial arrangements have been agreed to between the Government and the railway companies now under the control of the Railway Executive Committee?

The Minister of Transport (Captain Wallace)
Discussions on this subject are now proceeding.

Mr. Ridley
In the event of direct negotiations failing to reach an agreement, will there be arbitration, and, if so, what will be the machinery?

Captain Wallace
I do not think that we can go into that now. I have every hope that the discussions will prove successful.

11.

 Mr. Simpson
asked the Minister of Transport whether the Railway Clearing House is included in the control and conditions under which the railway companies have passed under Government control?

Captain Wallace
The Railway Clearing House is a body corporate, composed almost entirely of representatives of railway undertakers whose undertakings are controlled, but it does not itself carry on an undertaking of which control can be taken.

Mr. Simpson
Will the regulations governing the railway companies also apply to the Railway Clearing House?

Captain Wallace
The Railway Clearing House employés are under the same; conditions as those of the railway companies, and the regulations will apply to them, generally speaking. The fact remains that the Railway Clearing House is not a body that can be taken over under the Defence Regulations.

Mr. Watkins
Is not the Railway Clearing House a joint committee owned by the four main line companies, and, therefore, falls within the terms of the transfer of the main line companies?

Captain Wallace
The answer is as I have stated. I cannot add to it. It is a very technical point.