HL Deb 13 February 1951 vol 170 c273

2.47 p.m.

LORD ROCHDALE

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the policy of the British Transport Commission in regard to the running of special trains for social or sporting engagements during the present coal crisis, and whether this policy has the approval of His Majesty's Government.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH)

My Lords, as one of the measures to meet the Government's request to reduce the coal consumption on the railways, the British Transport Commission have decided that, until the duration of the reduction is known, excursion trains will be run only in connection with events for which a large public travel demand exists, or where definite commitments to organisers have been undertaken. Other special excursion trains have been withdrawn.