HC Deb 25 July 1956 vol 557 cc386-7
4. Captain Duncan

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will now make a statement regarding his arrangements for the date of starting for a battery rail-car service in Scotland; and on which section of line it will operate.

Mr. Watkinson

My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that these arrangements are the responsibility of the British Transport Commission. The Commission's Scottish management will, I understand, make an announcement in collaboration with the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board as soon as a suitable design has been worked out and the experimental coach is ready.

Captain Duncan

Does my right hon. Friend not recollect that in an earlier debate he promised that he would tell me when this would be done? Therefore, he assumed some responsibility for finding out on my behalf. Is my right hon. Friend also aware that the Hydro-Electric Board is only too anxious to supply the current for these battery rail-cars, and will he try to press the Commission to produce a rail-car or the body of a rail-car which will operate at the earliest possible opportunity?

Mr. Watkinson

I quite agree, and I do not think there is any difference between my hon. and gallant Friend and myself. I am pressing the Commission, and will inform him when the car is ready.