§ 26. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Transport how many special passenger and goods trains have been run on British Railways for Government Departments during the most recent convenient statistical period; and how much have they cost.
§ Mr. BarnesI am informed by the British Transport Commission that during the week ended 9th July, 1949, 153 special passenger trains and 19 special goods trains were run for Government Departments. No separate accounts are kept in respect of personnel or goods carried by special trains and, therefore, the cost to Departments cannot be stated.
§ Mr. ErrollIn view of the very large number of such special trains, will the Minister take steps to see whether it can be reduced?
§ Mr. BarnesAs a matter of fact, this is a very substantial decline in special traffic compared with previous years and it is not necessary to take special steps, because it is charged either by tonnage or tickets when the traffic comes to the station.