§ 13. Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many meetings he has had with the chairman of the British Railways Board since 1 October; and what subjects were discussed.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. David Mitchell)My right hon. Friend and I have had four meetings with the chairman since 1 October last. We have discussed a wide range of subjects of mutual interest, including investment.
§ Mr. LewisAt the meetings with the chairman of the board, did the Minister and his superiors discuss the question of safety on British Railways? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the railway fraternity today there are some misgivings about the lack of maintenance of the old vehicles that are now running? Is he further aware that many trains are running late mainly because of a lack of normal maintenance procedures? At his next meeting with British Rail will he bring that matter up? Is he further aware that today on British Rail men and women work more overtime than is normal? Would it not be better to pay them a decent rate of pay and to employ more people?
§ Mr. MitchellThe level of maintenance of rolling stock is a matter for British Rail management, and I shall draw the hon. Gentleman's point to the attention of the chairman. British Rail has embarked on a major programme of investment in new rolling stock. I have today written to Bob Reid, the chairman, approving investment in 240 medium-weight sprinter DMUs at a cost of about £60 million.