§ 5 and 6. Lord John Hopeasked the Minister of Transport (1) if, in the interests of the travelling public he will reconsider his decision to suspend the running of the 1 a.m. train from King's Cross to Edinburgh;
(2) if he is aware of the inconvenience that will be caused to the travelling public by the withdrawal of the 1 a.m. train from King's Cross to Edinburgh; and whether he will arrange either for one of the night trains to Edinburgh to leave King's Cross at 11 p.m. or for the 11.30 p.m. train from King's Cross to Newcastel to run on to Edinburgh.
§ Mr. BarnesThe withdrawal of this train is part of the 10 per cent. reduction in services this summer. I am informed that the 11 30 p.m. train to Newcastle is already fully loaded and could not take extra coaches for Edinburgh passengers, and that if tilt sleeper train for Edinburgh were to leave at 11 p.m., arrivals at certain important destinations in Scotland would be from two to five hours later owing to re-timing difficulties.
§ Lord John HopeDoes the Minister realise that he could scarcely have taken off a train which is wanted more, not only by members of the public, but also by Scottish Members of Parliament; and in view of that fact will he not reconsider this decision? This is a most important train, and it would make a great deal of difference to a lot of people if it could be put on again.
§ Mr. BarnesI am always ready to look into matters referred to in the House, but on this question affecting the 10 per cent. reduction one must be guided, on the 1565 whole, by the practical experience of the railway administration.
§ Mr. StephenCould the right hon. Gentleman say whether all Scottish interests were consulted before this decision was made?
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir. I do not think it would be practicable to discuss it with all the interests, over the whole of the railway system, affected by any particular train.
Lieut.-Commander Clark HutchisonWould the right hon. Gentleman undertake to restore this train in the autumn when the 10 per cent. cut ends?
§ Mr. BarnesOf course, at the moment it is only for the summer period, to assist in the restocking of coal. I have no reason to anticipate that it will continue beyond that period, but I will bear that point in mind.
§ Sir William DarlingWould the Minister also bear in mind that a 10 per cent. cut on the Scottish system is a much more severe one than a 10 per cent. cut on the English system?
§ Mr. BarnesI, of course, always appreciate the special need of Scotland, and never overlook it.
§ Sir W. DarlingThis is a special disadvantage.