§ 1. Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from passengers regarding services on Network South Central. [30115]
§ The Secretary of State for Transport (Dr. Brian Mawhinney)My Department has received 28 representations this year about services on Network South Central.
§ Lady Olga MaitlandI thank my right hon. Friend for his reply. Is he aware, however, that commuters in my Sutton and Cheam constituency are angry, frustrated and tired of the embarrassing service that they are receiving? They complain of delays, overcrowded trains and unintelligible announcements. When I spoke to the director of customer relations on their behalf, he would not accept my complaints. Has not the time come to privatise British Rail, and give commuters the service that they want?
§ Dr. MawhinneyI certainly agree with my hon. Friend's last point. I know that there have been difficulties 2 on that line, and that my hon. Friend has—as is her wont—represented her constituents assiduously. I am aware that her constituents have also experienced difficulty in gaining access to proper information. As I think that she knows, I set great store by making as much detailed and accurate information as possible available to passengers.