HC Deb 29 June 1966 vol 730 cc1778-9
13. Mr. Webster

asked the Minister of Transport what steps for increased productivity have now been accepted by the railway unions; and how they have been implemented.

Mr. John Morris

Numerous agreements on ways of increasing productivity have been concluded as part of the modernisation of the railway system. The progress which has been made in this field is creditable to men, unions and management.

Mr. Webster

That is not very good. Can the hon. Gentleman say what has been done on train manning, and on free access to liner train depôts?

Mr. Morris

First, there has been an extension of single manning, and there have been large-scale rationalisations of signalling. In addition, we have had the recent statement by the N.U.R. about liner trains. I think that the whole union organisation should be congratulated on the fact that there have been staff reductions of about 30 per cent. over the last six years. This is a creditable achievement.

Mr. Manuel

In connection with the modernisation of the railways, will my hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a purely physical side to the speeding up of trains and the necessity for train crews to travel longer distances? Will he pay due regard to the added strain imposed on loco men today?

Mr. Morris

I am aware of the physical factors to which my hon. Friend refers, and our Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways is well aware of these problems at all times.

Mr. Farr

The hon. Gentleman's reply was deliberately vague. Can he say to what extent single manning has been introduced, and not hide behind vague terms of reference, as he did a moment ago?

Mr. Morris

If the hon. Gentleman puts down a specific Question, I shall seek to answer it if it is within the Minister's responsibility. There has been a substantial extension of single manning, rationalisation of signalling, and a number of other matters which I could list at length. The sum total of achievement has been a reduction in staff of 30 per cent. over the past six years, and I think that this is very creditable.

Mr. Bagier

Would not my hon. Friend agree that some of the difficulties of the single manning agreement have been due to the real and practical application of the minds of the staff to the safety aspect of single manning?

Mr. Morris

There is a problem here. Both men and management have to be satisfied on the safety angle. Above all, my right hon. Friend's Chief Inspecting Officer has to be satisfied on all these aspects.