HC Deb 16 November 1992 vol 214 cc7-8
6. Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met the chairman of British Rail to discuss the reduction in services along the north Wales coast main line.

Sir Wyn Roberts

My right hon. Friend last met Sir Bob Reid on 7 September. They discussed a number of issues, including services in north Wales.

Mr. Jones

In his letter to me dated 9 November, the Secretary of State for Wales said that reports that rolling stock from the north Wales inter-city service would be withdrawn for franchise services were without foundation. However, we all know that during the summer that rolling stock was under considerable threat, as Richard Branson and others were bidding for franchise services. Will the Secretary of State now come clean on the issue? Was there a threat to inter-city services this year as a result of the franchising proposals? Will he give a categorical assurance that those services will continue when the next franchising proposals come forward in 1994 and, if they are to continue, that all services will begin and end at Holyhead?

Sir Wyn Roberts

I should have thought that the hon. Gentleman would welcome the privatisation of British Rail and franchising, because it is possible that the north Wales coastal services will do considerably better. The hon. Gentleman knows only too well that direct services from London to Holyhead are to be reduced from three to two—[HON. MEMBERS: "Disgraceful."] Yes, but we do not run British Rail. It is not for us to involve ourselves in operational matters, which are entirely for British Rail. If I were the hon. Gentleman, I should be looking forward to the privatisation of British Rail and to franchising.

Mr. Rogers

When the Minister meets the chairman of British Rail to discuss services in north Wales, will he remind him that the valley lines in south Wales have experienced enormous problems with the lack of capital funding? As a result, they now state that they hope that there will be no demand—

Madam Speaker

Order. I think that the hon. Gentleman is moving around rather geographically.

Mr. Rogers

It is a branch line.

Madam Speaker

Order. I know my Wales better than that. If the hon. Gentleman can stay within the question, he may have a supplementary, but if he is moving I am afraid that he cannot and we must move on.

Dr. Marek

As a north Wales Member, may I ask the Minister whether he accepts that at the last general election almost twice as many people voted Labour as voted Conservative? The hon. Gentleman has no mandate to be a Minister for Wales. In answer to an earlier question, he sought to wash his hands of services provided by British Rail for north Wales. He should make way for somebody else.

Madam Speaker

Order. That was by no means a parliamentary question. We shall now move on to question 7. I hope that the hon. Member for Neath (Mr. Hain) will do rather better.