HC Deb 16 May 1962 vol 659 cc1333-4
36. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his consultations with the chairman of the British Transport Commission relating to Government plans for the evacuation of the civilian population in the event of the outbreak of hostilities.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith)

My right hon. Friend has had no such consultations.

Mr. Hamilton

I am not at all surprised by that Answer. Does the hon. Gentleman recall that Dr. Beeching is now looking at the Scottish Railway system and is likely to cut out at least one-third of it, in most cases the unprofitable lines which run in the rural areas? Is he not further aware that it is precisely those rural areas which will be called on to take the evacuated people? How do the Government expect to evacuate people when there are no railways there?

Mr. Galbraith

The hon. Gentleman had better wait until we see what Dr. Beeching's scheme is, but in any case of dispersal we would use to the best advantage whatever transport means existed.