HC Deb 05 May 1976 vol 910 cc1297-8
22. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he next expects to meet the Chairman of British Rail.

Mr. Shore

I shall be meeting the Chairman and members of the British Railways Board towards the end of this month.

Mr. Cryer

When my right hon. Friend meets the Chairman of the British Railways Board, will he ensure that he understands that British Rail should enter into the fullest possible consultations when withdrawing freight traffic? In particular, will my right hon. Friend ask him to review his decision to withdraw the carriage of pigeons, which provides revenue of up to £2 million per year? Does my right hon. Friend agree that Britain Rail seems too easily disposed to get rid of freight traffic? Does he also agree that legislation similar to the TUCC system regarding passenger service withdrawals should be brought in to deal with freight?

Mr. Shore

I shall consider what my hon. Friend said about consultation procedures. I think that what he has in mind—at least, this is what I have in mind, listening to his supplementary question—is that passenger services are subject to statutory consultative procedures whereas freight services are not. It does not necessarily mean that there are no informal consultative procedures affecting particular freight services. I promise to look into the matter further. I shall also give most anxious thought to the question of the carriage of pigeons.

Mr. Raison

When the Secretary of State meets the Chairman of British Rail, will he discuss with him the fact that the consultation document states that the railways could not at present cope with a substantial increase in peak traffic? In view of that statement, is it not nonsense for bodies such as the GLC to talk of imposing penal charges on motorists? Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that if the GLC imposes a £3 parking charge that charge will apply also to those who use the GLC's car park?

Mr. Shore

I cannot accept that suggestion. We must consider charging not only for public car parks but for private parking facilities. This subject is dealt with in the consultation document.

Mrs. Winifred Ewing rose

—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. The House should welcome a little colour.

Mrs. Ewing

When the Secretary of State meets the Chairman of British Rail, will he tell him that the staff in Scotland are aggrieved at the fact that Scotland is the dumping ground for old rolling stock? Will he also tell him that the Scots noticed that, when the flow of North Sea oil was opened, Scotland suddenly got marvellous rolling stock from England for that special occasion, so that English passengers would not know about the rotten old rolling stock that it normally gets?

Mr. Shore

I am delighted to hear evidence of an improvement in the quality of the rolling stock that has appeared on Scottish rail track in recent years. I shall ensure that the attention of the Chairman of British Rail is drawn to what the hon. Lady said about the age and type of stock in Scotland.