§ 2. Mr. Boyesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, when he next meets the chairman of British Rail, he will raise with him the subject of British Rail catering.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. David Mitchell)No, Sir. Railway catering is a matter of management for the British Railways Board.
§ Mr. BoyesIf the Minister finds an opportunity to meet the chairman and to discuss catering, will he pass on my praise for the courteous and caring way in which British Rail catering staff serve the public, often in difficult circumstances, when they have to solve problems that are not of their creation?
Although I do not generally talk about individuals, Alec Gibb and his crew served the 7 am Durham to London train exceptionally well for many years. Now that they have moved to another line, I am taking the opportunity to thank them, and it cannot be suggested that I am currying any favours.
§ Mr. MitchellI am delighted to hear the hon. Gentleman's praise for British Rail catering staff. I shall pass on his comments to the chairman. From my experience, in many cases praise is very well deserved.
§ Sir Anthony MeyerIs my hon. Friend aware that, despite the admitted courtesy and helpfulness of the staff, the standard of catering on British Rail seems to be going steadily downhill? Is this not an area in which privatisation should be encouraged as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. MitchellI assure my hon. Friend that we have asked the chairman of British Rail to obtain more supply and support services from the private sector, including train and station catering.
§ Mr. Stephen RossThe last time I was in north Wales the catering was supplied by private caterers who joined the train at Chester. While I agree that the catering has greatly improved, it would be a joy if travellers on British Rail, who are paying huge fares, could get into clean carriages from which all the rubbish, cups and saucers had been removed.
§ Mr. MitchellI travel regularly on British Rail, and I am pleased at the speed with which the staff come in with bags to remove rubbish when the trains arrive at terminus stations. I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman has had an experience that has not given satisfaction. Other people have praised the private catering services provided on the Welsh line, and I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for drawing attention to that. I shall pass that comment on to the chairman, as it may encourage British Rail to introduce more private operations.