asked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to enforce complete amalgamation of the railway companies, with a view to economy of expenditure and the reduction of industrial friction?

I propose to await the issue of the final report of the Royal Commission on Transport before considering the question of legislation on this subject.

Does not the Minister agree that the only way to secure better service on the railways and better treatment of the lower-paid workers with regard to wages and dismissals is by the State taking over the ownership and control?

I think the question of railway disputes is not for me but for the Minister of Labour. The question of transport policy is for me and I can add nothing to my answer.

Has not amalgamation meant the doubling of fares?

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he expects that the report will he issued?

I hope that the report of the Royal Commission, though I cannot be certain, will be published by the end of the year.