§ 28. Mr. TAYLORasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the list of schemes to be submitted by the railway companies, in consideration of the repeal of the railway passenger duty, have been placed before the Government; and whether the construction of short avoiding lines to avoid congestion at level crossings are within the terms of the understanding between His Majesty's Government and the railway companies?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)I have been asked to answer this question. I have not yet received particulars of the schemes which the railway companies are to submit when Parliament has approved the repeal of the duty. The principal object of these schemes will be the development and modernisation of railway transport. As regards level crossings, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for the Hallam Division of Sheffield (Mr. L. Smith).
§ Mr. TAYLORIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the reply to which he has referred me has no relevance whatever to this matter?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe reply given yesterday referred to the allocation of money from the Road Fund for level crossings. On the general question we must wait and see what schemes the railway companies put forward, and whether the suggestions they make are adequate.
§ Mr. TAYLORAre we to understand, from, the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's reply, that schemes for the construction of avoiding lines are not excluded from the proposals of the Government?
§ Colonel ASHLEYWe must wait and see what the proposals of the railway companies are, and then we shall consider the whole matter.
§ Mr. TAYLORIn view of the fact that the Government have made an arrangement with the railway companies, could we not have an answer to the question whether or not the alleviation of the level crossing difficulty is included or excluded?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI could not say that until I see what proposals the railway companies put forward.
§ Mr. PALINGAre we to understand that it is being left entirely to the railway companies to suggest how this money shall be spent, and that the Government have made no suggestion?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe railway companies have been asked, within certain limits, to put forward their suggestions. The Government will then consider them, and come to their decision.
§ Mr. PALINGCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman state whether level crossings are likely to continue to be used, or whether it is suggested that they should be discarded?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI cannot say till I have seen the suggestions.