§ 39. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Transport what were the average figures for punctuality of trains in the three months before the report of the Central Transport Consultative Committee; and what are the comparable figures in the three months following that report.
§ Mr. CarmichaelAs the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs not it time that the Ministry devoted attention to the unpunctuality of trains? Is the Minister aware that this is causing considerable inconvenience, particularly to commuters on the perimeter of London, and also in the North-East. When I write to the Minister about these matters and I am referred to the British Railways I get unsatisfactory answers. Will the right hon. Gentleman give this matter his personal attention?
§ Mr. CarmichaelPunctuality is a management question for British Railways. My right hon. Friend is greatly concerned about it, and discussions with
| Express Trains | Other Trains | ||||
| On time Per cent. | 0–5 minutes late Per cent. | On time Per cent. | 0–5 minutes late Per cent. | ||
| 12 week period ended 28th December, 1968 | … | 47.8 | 70.6 | 73.3 | 89.9 |
| On time Per cent. | 0–5 minutes late Per cent. | On time Per cent. | 0–5 minutes late Per cent. | ||
| 12 week period ended 22nd March, 1969 | … | 59.4 | 73.1 | 75.1 | 90.4 |