HC Deb 04 November 1970 vol 805 cc1070-1
32. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give a general direction to British Railways to improve their catering services.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

No, Sir.

Mr. Blaker

Is my hon. Friend aware that the standards of this service, whether in the station or on the train, leave a lot to be desired and that an improvement would be welcome not only to British travellers but also to visitors whom we wish to attract from overseas?

Mr. Griffiths

Like most hon. Members, I use British Rail catering services; and their quality, if I may say so, varies. The Board tells me that it keeps under continuous review any complaints that may arise, and I am satisfied that this is certainly not a field in which my right hon. Friend would feel it right to give a general direction.

Mr. Kaufman

In view of the Prime Minister's personal commitment to cut into the wage-price spiral in the public sector at a stroke, will the hon. Gentleman approach British Rail and ask it to reduce the price of less than half a pint of milk in a beaker in British Rail snack bars to below the outrageous price of 1s. 1d.?

Mr. Griffiths

I thought the hon. Gentleman was the great exponent of the virtues of nationalised transport. I am sure that the Board of British Rail will take into account his own and his former right hon. colleague's complaint.