HC Deb 19 March 1984 vol 56 c697
13. Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what subjects he discussed at his last meeting with the the chairman of British Rail.

Mr. David Mitchell

My right hon. Friend and I discussed a wide range of matters of mutual interest with the chairman.

Mr. Canavan

Will the Minister ask the chairman when, if ever, the advanced passenger train is likely to run again between Scotland and London? Bearing in mind that there were obvious teething problems during the first trials, which took place in extreme weather conditions, are those problems being ironed out? What is the expected timetable for the APT, or an adapted version of it, to be in regular passenger service?

Mr. Mitchell

I understand that the advanced passenger train in its existing form is not being progressed by British Rail at present, but I am shortly to visit the works at Derby to see what is being done. I shall keep in mind the points that the hon. Gentleman made.

Mr. Stokes

When my hon. Friend sees the chairman of British Rail in connection with the important matter of the future of Marylebone station, will he tell the chairman that I have travelled to and from that station for nearly 40 years and I do not want it to be closed before the matter has been debated in the House?

Mr. Mitchell

The potential closure of Marylebone station is a matter that has to go through the normal procedures with which British Rail must comply. It will come to Ministers in a quasi-judicial capacity. I ask my hon. Friend to wait for that.