HC Deb 27 January 1970 vol 794 c1182
3. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to British Railways to relay early morning and tea-time radio programmes, including news bulletins and other items of interest, to commuter passengers travelling in and out of London and other major cities.

Mr. Murray

No, Sir.

Mr. Roberts

Is my hon. Friend aware that if public transport is to flourish it must get away from the cattle truck era as quickly as possible? Is he further aware that broadcasts of this type would not need to be universal in that one could have broadcast and non-broadcast carriages?

Mr. Murray

This is a matter for the day-to-day management of British Rail. I should have thought, however, that the main concern of commuters was getting to and from their destinations as quickly as possible in the maximum comfort without necessarily having to listen to broadcasts which, after all, might be telling them about faster forms of travel.

Mr. Blackburn

I thank my hon. Friend for his comprehensive answer to the original Question. Is he aware, as I am sure he is, that some people like at times to be quiet?