41. Mrs. Slaterasked the Minister of Transport what proposals he has received for major capital expenditure on the improvement of Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station.
§ 45. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Transport if he will now approve the British Transport Commission's proposals for reconstructing Stoke-on-Trent railway station and the capital expenditure involved.
§ 62. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement on the proposed capital expenditure for the railway station of Stoke-on-Trent.
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettThe British Railways Board has put no proposals to us for capital investment in reconstructing or improving Stoke-on-Trent railway station.
Mrs. SlaterIs the hon. Gentleman aware that some time ago the British Transport Commission promised my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ellis Smith) that something along these lines would be done? Is he further aware that this station serves an extremely important industrial area and that it is in an appalling condition? It is dirty, untidy and unfit for people to use. Is it not time something was done?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettYes, but this is a matter for the Railways Board, and it has informed us that plans for modernising Stoke, to which my right hon. Friend referred as far back as November, 1961, have not yet been finished.
§ Mr. SwinglerCan the hon. and gallant Gentleman do anything about the Board itself? Can he give an assurance that Dr. Beeching is not proposing to close Stoke Station altogether? Is he aware that the only time we ever get an improvement at Stoke Station is when we have a visitor from the Royal Family? In addition to arranging more visits by the Royal Family, will not he persuade the Board to produce a scheme?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettWhen the proposal for Stoke Station is put to the Minister it will be considered on its merits.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithIn view of the unfortunate circumstances that have arisen, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman undertake to expedite consideration of this matter?
§ Vice-Admiral Hughes HallettI will certainly see that these questions are brought to the notice of the Board.