[originaltext]W: There is an element there about competition then, isn’t there?

W: There is an element there about competition then, isn’t there? Because British railways are a nationalized industry. There is only one railway system in the country. If you don’t like a particular kind of big beans, you can go and buy another. But if you don’t like the particular railway, you can’t go and use another.
M: Some people who write to me say this. They say that if you didn’t have monopoly, you wouldn’t be able to do the things you do. Well, I don’t think we do anything deliberately to upset our customers. We have particular problems. Since 1946, when the Transport Act came in, we were nationalized.
W: Do you think that’s a good thing? Has it been a good thing for the railways, do you think, to be nationalized?
M: Oh, I think so, yes, because in general, modes of transport are all around. Let’s face the fact, the car arrived. The car is here to stay. There is no question about that.
W: So what are you saying then? Is it if the railways haven’t been nationalized, they would simply have disappeared?
M: Oh, I think they would have. They are disappearing fast in America. Er, the French railways lose 1 billion pounds a year. The German railways, 2 billion pounds a year. But you see, those governments are prepared to pour money into the transport system to keep it going.
W: So, in a sense, you cope between two extremes. On the one hand, you are trying not to lose too much money. And on the other hand, you’ve got to provide the best service.
M: Yes, you are right.
Questions 5 to 8 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
5. What does the woman say about British railways?
6. What do some people who write to the man complain about?
7. What does the man say threatens the existence of railways?
8. What does the man say about railways in other countries?