HC Deb 07 November 1949 vol 469 cc884-5
63. Mr. Pickthorn

asked the Minister of Transport the numbers of train-men who left trains on running lines in each of the 12 month periods ending respectively on 31st January, 1947, 1948 and 1949, in a form comparable with the figures given on 11th February, 1946, for the 12 months ended on 31st January, 1946.

Mr. Callaghan

This information is not now available in the Ministry of Transport as the matter is a day-to-day responsibility of the British Transport Commission.

Mr. Pickthorn

Does than mean that, although the looking after this matter may be a day-to-day responsibility, the general upshot of it is generally regarded as outside the proper purview of the Minister?

Mr. Callaghan

Day-to-day matters are delegated by the Act to the Railway Executive.

Mr. Pickthorn

Is the hon. Gentleman denying that questions of public safety depend on this, and are not matters of public safety the responsibility of the Minister?

Mr. Callaghan

There have been no allegations made, as far as I know, that public safety is not being observed.