HC Deb 05 December 1956 vol 561 cc1228-9
18. Mr. Logan

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he has considered the approach made to him by the Liverpool Corporation; and what action he is now prepared to take to retain the service of the Liverpool Overhead Railway.

Mr. Watkinson

I have told the Liverpool Corporation that I remain of the opinion that this is a local issue and that the provision of financial help from the Government to keep the railway going is out of the question. On this understanding I have offered the assistance of an official from my Department to act as impartial chairman at any further local discussion of the problem should this be desired.

Mr. Logan

Is the Minister aware of the congestion that is likely to arise in Liverpool if this railway is discontinued? Is he aware that I am afraid that there may be strikes on the dockside arising from the traffic problem on Merseyside? Apart from the delegations which have been coming to the House, wasting time, would some practical purpose now be served by the Minister coming to Liverpool to co-ordinate the services of Merseyside and to retain a service essential to the Port of Liverpool? Will the right hon. Gentleman call such a meeting to secure co-ordination? Is he aware that that is necessary, and that no other method of transport can be brought into operation in Liverpool?

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think that was a speech.

Mr. Watkinson

I have offered, in my Answer, to do what I can, if Liverpool wants me to do it.

Mr. Ernest Davies

But in view of the fact that this railway is still carrying about 8 million passengers a year—[An HON. MEMBER: "Nine million"]—or 9 million, an hon. Gentleman says, would it not be desirable, in view of the petrol shortage, to keep this railway open, at least for the next few months, until the petrol shortage has been overcome?

Mr. Watkinson

As I have said, if I receive any approaches from Liverpool, I will do what I can to help to get a settlement.

Mr. K. Thompson

Whilst agreeing with my right hon. Friend that this is essentially and exclusively the responsibility of the Liverpool Corporation, will he nevertheless give the assurance that if the Liverpool Corporation takes its courage in its hands and decides to preserve this railway, my right hon. Friend will support, so far as he is able, any application which the Corporation may make to raise the funds to acquire and run the railway over the next few months?

Mr. Watkinson

As I have said, I will do anything I can to help.

Mr. Tilney

In the light of the petrol shortage, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that the Socialist-controlled Corporation of Liverpool only last month did away with tramway track to the extent of more miles than there are of the Liverpool Overhead Railway, in order to substitute buses?

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