asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now say what financial arrangements have been made between the Government and the undertakings under the control of the Railway Executive?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 4th October.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say what difficulties are standing in the way of a settlement of this case, and how much longer this uncertainty is likely to exist?

This question is extremely far-reaching and extraordinarily difficult and complicated. It is under discussion between my Department and the railway representatives, and the hon. Member may rest assured that every effort is being made to reach a satisfactory settlement with the least possible delay. I am as anxious as the hon. Member that this matter should be settled.

Shall we get an answer in the spring?