asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has concluded his discussions with the railway companies with a view to supplementary allowances to railway pensioners comparable to those provided for other classes of pensioners under the Pensions (Increase) Act being paid; and what was the result of them.

I have had no discussions with the railway companies on this subject. My right hon. Friend the late Financial Secretary to the Treasury and I made it clear, in the course of the Debates on the Pensions (Increase) Bill, that this was primarily a matter for the railway companies, but that, if they desired to make representations to the Government on this question, I will give them careful consideration.

Has my right hon. Friend drawn the attention of the railway companies to the matter? Could he not suggest himself to the railway companies that they broach the subject with him?

I made my position perfectly clear.