§ 31. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that two special trains for National Coal Board staff are running daily between Ebbw Vale and Six Bells; and, in view of the coal crisis, if he will stop this waste of fuel and insist that the National Coal Board staff travel in the ordinary train.
§ Mr. BarnesThe first train is a miners' train which formerly ran empty from Beaufort to Aberbeeg Junction and now stops at Ebbw Vale; the second train is a single coach which is hauled about one mile from the junction to Six Bells Halt by an engine which would otherwise be standing in steam. The extra fuel used is negligible, and I consider that the arrangements, which were in force before the National Coal Board took over, are justified.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhy cannot the timetable be slightly altered to avoid this extra run in view of the fact that we are faced with catastrophe owing to the policy of the Government? Why should the servants of the public have priority treatment over paying passengers?
§ Mr. BarnesI have just explained that this arrangement was in operation before the National Coal Board took over.
§ Sir W. SmithersThat does not make it any better.