HC Deb 25 February 1976 vol 906 cc371-2
17. Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what losses have been incurred by British Rail from the transfer of Post Office traffic from rail to road.

Dr. Gilbert

The reorganisation of the Post Office parcels service is still in progress. The final effects on British Rail's business will therefore depend on the outcome of the commercial negotiations between the British Railways Board, Freightliners Limited and the Post Office.

Mr. Atkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is no point in this exercise if it results in a net loss to the Exchequer? Does he agree that there is no evidence of the alleged savings from the Post Office or from the Minister because of the unaccountability on day-to-day management—a cocoon in which mismanagers can live happily, safe from criticism from Ministers, Members of Parliament or electors?

Dr. Gilbert

I listened carefully to my hon. Friend's supplementary question. It seemed that he was addressing his criticism to the management of the Post Office, for which I have no responsibility.

Mrs. Bain

Is the Post Office in Scotland any more likely to transfer its traffic from rail to road in view of the reports this week that Scottish rolling stock on British Rail is of very poor quality, often being cast-offs from the Southern Region, reports highlighted by the NUR, ASLEF and TSSA?

Dr. Gilbert

Again I am being asked a supplementary question about the Scottish Post Office, for which I have no responsibility.

Mr. Spearing

But my hon. Friend has responsibility for the integration of transport. Does he agree that when the Post Office produced its parcels rationalisation scheme it was the deliberate policy of the corporation to site certain of its concentration depots away from rail access? If that is so, will my hon. Friend make representations to the Post Office to change its policy?

Dr. Gilbert

I must repeat to my hon. Friend that this is a matter of Post Office management and its decisions on what is best for the industry. I fully understand my hon. Friend's concern and that of other hon. Members. The representations that my hon. Friend makes should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry.