§ 5. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the proposed service of liner trains between Glasgow and London.
§ Mr. Tom FraserFreightliners have been running experimentally between Glasgow and London for some weeks. Since 15th November, a limited amount of traffic has been carried on behalf of customers. It is the Railways Board's intention in due course to introduce a full commercial service, and I should like to take this opportunity of reaffirming the Government's full support for the Board's policy of opening the terminals of these services to all categories of road haulage vehicles.
§ Mr. CampbellIs the Minister doing all he can to bring this service into full operation, as a faster and more reliable freight service would make a great difference to trade and industry in Scotland, especially in exports?
§ Mr. FraserYes, I am.
§ 54. Mr. Websterasked the Minister of Transport what is the state of his discussions with the unions regarding the liner train projects.
§ Mr. Tom FraserEarlier this year I explained to representatives o0066 the rail-waymen's unions the importance the Government attach to the success of liner trains as part of the railway modernisation programme. The operation of liner trains was also among the matters I discussed recently with representatives of the road transport unions.
§ Mr. WebsterWill the right hon. Gentleman impress as hard as he can on the unions that it is essential that there should be free access by all types of hauliers to these liner trains if the business is to be brought to the railway system and it is to be made viable?
§ Mr. FraserI do not think that anyone anywhere is in any doubt about the Government's policy in this matter.
§ Mr. PopplewellIn view of the success of this experiment of running liner trains with the Railways Board's own collection and delivery staff, will my right hon. Friend be more insistent with the Board to allow it to continue the policy of quoting through rates so that it can use its own road services for collection?
§ Mr. FraserThe Railways Board quotes through rates, but from its market research it is satisfied that 70 per cent. of the traffic which it will carry on liner trains is at present carried by professional road hauliers.
§ 55. Mr. Websterasked the Minister of Transport what expenditure he has sanctioned at liner train depôts.
§ Mr. Tom FraserOf the £6 million so far authorised for the first 15 routes of the liner train project, £2½ million is for the adaptation and equipment of terminals.
§ Mr. WebsterWill the right hon. Gentleman say what percentage of the traffic on liner trains is ballast, and for how long this high percentage of ballast is going to be taken on these trains? Will he forcefully make it known to the unions that unless there is free access for private hauliers they will be a loss and the money spent on them will be wasted?
§ Mr. FraserThe object of carrying ballast on the liner trains is to prove the trains and not just to make up weight in place of merchandise which they would otherwise be carrying. The Railways Board is having discussions with the consignors of traffic and it is for the Board to agree with its customers when the liner trains should be in full operation.