HC Deb 18 June 1979 vol 968 cc886-8
6. Mr. Coleman

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends meeting the chairman of British Railways.

Mr. Michael Roberts

My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so.

Mr. Coleman

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his answer will cause dismay among those who are concerned with railway operations, in particular the National Union of Railwaymen? Is he aware of the proposals of the NUR for the electrification of the line to South Wales from Paddington? Does he agree that, in the light of the energy problems, the Government ought to take another look at this matter, since it may well prove to be a profitable and viable exercise?

Mr. Michael Roberts

Questions about the operation of British Rail in Wales are properly the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport. The question of the electrification of the South Wales main line is one for British Rail to consider in the context of its electrification programme as a whole.

Mr. Anderson

Do not the Government have a responsibility for energy saving and is it not quite irresponsible, in the context of the present energy crisis, to cut back on the grants to British Rail? Bearing in mind the cuts in the Cardiff valley routes, is it not illogical to stop some trains halfway down the valleys, thereby preventing any real energy saving?

Mr. Michael Roberts

The electrification of the main line from Paddington to Swansea is clearly a question for British Rail. Energy matters must be taken into consideration. However, the energy crisis did not start on 3 May. These matters will be taken into consideration by Ministers.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

Does the Minister accept that his Department has a social and economic responsibility for the railways in Wales? Will he assure us that his Department will fight any proposals by British Rail to close any railway lines in Wales, including the Cambrian coast line?

Mr. Michael Roberts

There are no plans to close any lines in Wales.

Mr. Barry Jones

Given the Budget Statement, is not the Minister showing some complacency? Are there not vulnerable railway lines in North Wales and Mid-Wales, such as the Cambrian coast line, the Wrexham-Birkenhead line and the central Wales line? Can we have an assurance from the Minister that there are no proposals to cut or close these lines?

Mr. Michael Roberts

As I have just told the hon. Member for Merioneth (Mr. Thomas), there are no proposals to cut any of these lines.

Mr. Coleman

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory answer to the question, I give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment of the House.