29. Mr. Geoffrey Wilsonasked the Minister of Transport how many containers were carried by British Railways freightliners on the most recent week for which figures are available; and what was the comparable figure in the same week of the previous year.
§ 37. Mr. Manuelasked the Minister of Transport to what extent freightliner traffic is increasing.
§ Mr. John MorrisFor the weeks ended 11th February, 1968 and 12th February, 1967 the figures were 4,431 and 1,313, respectively. The rate of carryings has, therefore, more than trebeled over the past year.
§ Mr. ManuelIs my hon. Friend aware that his Answer will give great satisfaction—[Interruption.]—I hope, to everybody in the House? Is he aware that anyone interested in British Railways is interested in the success of the freightliner services and that there should be no quarrel between the two sides on this?
§ Mr. MorrisI am sure that it is of great encouragement to my right hon. Friend to see the success of the freightliner system, despite the attacks and denigration of hon. Members opposite, and it must encourage railwaymen generally to see the fulfilment of my right hon. Friend's assurances that they would all benefit from the system.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIn view of the success of the freightliner trains with British Railways, why does the Minister not keep them there instead of giving them to the National Freight Corporation?
§ Mr. MorrisWe are anxious to encourage the maximum development of this important system and think that the best way is by the joint arrangement of a share owned by British Railways and a share by the N.F.C.