§ Mr. Robert Adley (Christchurch)I have the honour to present a petition from more than 300 paid-up members of the Highcliffe branch of the Christchurch and East. Dorset Conservative Association who wish to express their grave concern about the Railways Bill. This is the tip of the iceberg. My political activists are worried that the Government's plans are ill conceived, will damage Britain's railways and will not increase the essential investment on which the railways depend.
The petition says:
Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable House determine, prior to the passage of legislation, the role expected of the railway system: and that a policy of seeking to divert traffic from road to rail, funded by the public or private sector, be determined in such a manner as to retain an integrated railway system.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.