§ 27. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the British Railways Board to take steps to dispose of all usable machinery in disused railway workshops in order to secure the maximum disposal price for it, and to ensure that before sale it is adequately protected against vandalism.
§ Mr. Tom FraserNo, Sir. This is a matter within the managerial responsibilities of the British Railways Board.
§ Mrs. ShortWould my right hon. Friend agree to undertake an investigation into what is happening in the railway workshop in my constituency, which was unfortunately closed down by his predecessor? Is he aware that the railwaymen in my constituency are both angry and depressed by what happened recently on previous railway property?
§ Mr. FraserI have been in touch with the Railways Board since my hon. Friend put this Question down. I understand that there was a recent incident in which railway transport police arrested three men who were in the process of removing some copper wire, of a value estimated at £100. Prosecutions followed but the men were acquitted. The Board assures me that it takes all reasonable precautions but I am sure that what my hon. Friend has said will reach the ears of the Chairman.