HC Deb 20 July 1977 vol 935 cc1586-7
11. Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the ports that have suffered rail disconnections in the last 10 years.

Mr. William Rodgers

I understand from the British Railways Board that railway services have been disconnected from docks at 16 ports during the past 10 years. With permission, I shall circulate details in the Official Report.

Mr. Atkins

Does my right hon. Friend agree that too many important ports have lost all their rail connections and that, despite extra carriage of containers by rail—except when they have been blacked at Didcot and other plices—the total result has been a reduction in the proportion of freight carried by rail, in sharp contrast to the position in countries abroad?

Mr. Rodgers

I confess that I was surprised at the number of docks from which rail services had been disconnected. I am sure that the British Railways Board draws on its knowledge and experience in these matters. It is the job of the Board to provide rail connections where they are commercially viable, and I think that that is what it will continue to do.

Mr. Rathbone

Irrespective of past history does the Secretary of State have continuing talks with his colleagues in Europe regarding the road and rail connections to the ports that serve Europe, including, in particular, the port of Newhaven in my constituency?

Mr. Rodgers

Yes, Sir; these discussions continue. I recognise the importance of links between the rail transport systems of this country and continental Europe.

Following is the list: