HC Deb 12 February 1996 vol 271 cc647-8
17. Ms Eagle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of changes in the total work force following privatisation of the railways. [13034]

Sir George Young

None. Staffing levels are a management matter for the railway industry.

Ms Eagle

Will the Secretary of State admit that one of the main ways in which the new, privatised railway companies intend to make money is by getting rid of staff? Many women already find it difficult to travel on trains late at night because of the de-staffing of stations that has already occurred. They are worried about crime. That situation can only get worse unless we can guarantee that staff will be in place to protect passengers.

Sir George Young

I hope that the hon. Lady will welcome the announcement by Stagecoach on Monday, when it took over one of the newly franchised services. It has decided to invest £3 million in improvements to station and passenger facilities, including security, lighting, waiting rooms and information services. If companies want the public to use their trains, they must provide a secure, efficient and safe environment. I believe that that is what the private sector wants to do.

Dr. Spink

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that privatisation and holding down fares will get more passengers on to trains, and that that will work wonders for employment on the railway?

Sir George Young

My hon. Friend is quite right that it will not only improve employment prospects but improve security for other passengers.