Southern Region (Proposed Timetable Changes) (Hansard, 17 January 1968)

§ 17. Mr. Higgins
asked the Minister of Transport whether she will ensure that the feasibility of proposed changes in British Railways, Southern Region's, timetable are referred to the appropriate transport users' consultative committee before they are made.

§ Mr. John Morris
No, Sir.

§ Mr. Higgins
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a spokesman for British Railways last night said that the inconvenience was likely to go on for another 12 months? This is quite intolerable. Will the hon. Gentleman give a direction that we should revert to the old timetable until such time as a proper timetable can be devised?

§ Mr. Morris
This is a matter for the Railways Board. It is not a matter for the Minister. It is not a proper matter for a general inquiry, as is suggested by the hon. Gentleman. Hon. Members should be aware that what the Railways Board tries to do is to ensure a better utilisation of its stock and capacity and to provide a better service. It has gone through a difficult period—difficult for the public and difficult for the Board. While the responsibility is entirely the Board's, I think that we should extend to it some sympathy for trying. It could have adopted the soft option and not tried anything else.

§ Mr. Moyle
Is my hon. Friend aware that in these days of national planning the South-East Regional Economic Planning Council was never given a chance to comment on the new timetables, despite the fact that over a period of time they might result in a considerable shift of population in the area? Will my hon. Friend ensure that this does not happen again?

§ Mr. Morris
The Economic Planning Council has a number of responsibilities of which I am sure my hon. Friend is aware. This is not a matter which comes within its province. There is statutory machinery for it. The T.U.C.C. and any member of the travelling public, including my hon. Friend—I know that he uses the service—can make representations. Representations have been made and they are being considered.

§ Mr. Boston
In view of the concern over this matter, may I, with very great respect, point out to you, Mr. Speaker, that there has been only one supplementary question from this side of the House on these two Questions?

§ Mr. Speaker
That is a matter for the Chair.