Clause 3. — (Power to Control Temporarily Railways, etc.)

Part of Orders of the Day — Ministry of Ways and Communications Bill. – in the House of Commons at on 2 July 1919.

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Photo of Mr Arthur Neal Mr Arthur Neal , Sheffield, Hillsborough

I do not think this matter is so simple as the hon. Gentleman who has just spoken has represented. I think we are going to get into a state of some confusion in this matter. There is no question in the Amendment before the House of repudiating at all the agreement made with the railway companies, but, on the contrary, there is a definite intention expressed in the Amendment to affirm that agreement, but to take care that is it not enlarged for the benefit of the railway shareholders at the expense of the State. No one, I think, will suggest for a moment that that agreement ought to be abrogated or lessened in its effect. I do not think the hon. Gentleman who last spoke wishes to suggest that it should be increased in favour of a particular class.