§ 39. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Transport what proposals he has for providing a motorail service for Glasgow and the West of Scotland.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThis would be a matter for the Railways Board. I understand that it is investigating this among other possibilities, but have no plans at present for such a service.
§ Mr. RankinPlans should be forthcoming, should they not? Is my hon. Friend aware that Glasgow passengers travelling by motorail from London have to leave the train at Newcastle and finish the journey by road, or they have to leave at Edinburgh or Stirling? Is it not absurd that a great industrial city like Glasgow has no service of this nature right to its doorstep?
§ Mr. CarmichaelThere are ten motorail services between England and Scotland. The question where these should be must be left to the commercial judgment and operational management of the Railways Board. My right hon. Friend has no locus to decide, unless there is very substantial investment involved. However, as I said, I understand that the Railways Board is investigating this among other possibilities.