HC Deb 17 February 1992 vol 204 cc6-7
5. Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has had about the standard of rail services in north Wales.

Sir Wyn Roberts

Twenty representations have been received since the introduction of the latest timetable in September. Most of those concerned the level of inter-city services between Holyhead and London.

Dr. Marek

The Minister may agree with me that, at the next general election, it is technically possible for the representatives of the non-Tory-voting people of Wales to be swamped in the House by a south-east-dominated Tory Government who are hell bent on privatising British Rail. As the Minister's constituency is on the main line to Holyhead, I ask him to give a pledge to the House that in such an eventuality there will continue to be a proper, direct inter-city service between Euston and Holyhead.

Sir Wyn Roberts

The hon. Gentleman bases what he says on some bogus statements about the privatisation of British Rail, which we would heartily welcome, and the inter-city services. For the first time, we have the high-speed 125 trains running between London and Holyhead. They accomplish that journey in the fastest ever time—four hours, which is 30 minutes less than it previously took.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

The Minister has not answered the question. Will he tell the House specifically that there will be a guarantee that, whoever wins the next election, inter-city services will run between Holyhead and Euston —yes or no?

Sir Wyn Roberts

I welcome privatisation of British Rail. I have heard many complaints from the Opposition about the services of British Rail. I am sure that there will be a considerable improvement under a privatisation regime, including an improvement of the services between London and Holyhead.