Railway Nationalisation The real issues involved in the question of
the nationalisa- tion of the transport services have for too long been obscured by the subjective fervour of party politics. It may be hoped therefore that the recently expressed opinions of Mr. William Whitelaw, Chairman of the L.N.E.R., which were both candid and objective, prelude future consideration of the question on its merits alone. Mr. Whitelaw declares himself con- vinced that State purchase and control by a public board of road and rail transport would result in necessary rationalisa- tion which, by eliminating wasteful competition, would produce greater efficiency, economy and reduced costs. Opposition to nationalisation, irrespective of the merits of the particular case, is foolish. No one wants to put the Post Office under private ownership. To bring all road and rail transport under the control of a Public Board would involve no more than the operation on a national scale of what has already been achieved within the Greater London area by the London Passenger Transport Board. Lord Ashfield can hardly be dressed up as a Bolshevist bogey. Nationalisation of the railways is not in sight at present, but it is all to the good to have it dispassionately discussed.
Previous page
