§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD FORBESMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) if an estimate can be given of the increase in the amount of freight carried by British Railways since fuel oil rationing commenced; and (2) what steps the British Transport Commission have taken, or propose to take, in an effort to try to keep a high percentage of the increased freight from reverting to, and once more overcrowding, the roads with heavy lorries when fuel oil rationing ends.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, British Transport Commission estimate that the freight receipts of British Railways have recently been about 11 per cent. greater than if the downward trend prior to fuel rationing had persisted. British Railways have continued to negotiate as much new business as possible on a basis designed to offer permanent attractions. With this object they have entered into long and medium term agreements in respect of a considerable quantity of traffic on terms giving significant commercial advantage to their customers. Apart from negotiation of rates, British Railways have in a variety of ways given assistance to traders who have had transport difficulties as a result of fuel rationing. For example, they have introduced new train services and arranged other additional facilities. Throughout, the aim has been not only to carry more traffic but to carry it to the customer's satisfaction and thus to show traders who 256 have not previously relied on rail transport what the railways can do for them.
§ LORD FORBESMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. I am glad to hear that the railways are carrying more freight. With regard to the second part of my Question, would the noble Lord state whether the British Transport Commission are going to adopt the D.A.F. container, which would mean that more freight could be carried by rail, as this would cut out double handling and provide a door-to-door service?
LORD SALTOUNMy Lords, before the noble Lord answers that question, will he also, if he can, be a little more specific on something to which he referred in general terms? Could he say what steps have been taken to eliminate the delays in transport which have been very much complained of in the past?
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, in answer to the question of the noble Lord, Lord Forbes, I understand that some units of the D.A.F. container have been brought over from the Continent for trial on British Railways, but no final decision has been reached because of the number of alternatives into which the Commission are still making inquiries. In answer to my noble friend Lord Saltoun, I think I can say that in the main the railways have coped with the increased traffic well and expeditiously. Where dissatisfaction has been expressed, this may, I think, be because the traffic is not really suitable for rail. I am sure that British Railways themselves would be the first to admit that there is still much room for improvement.
THE MARQUESS OF WILLINGDONIs the Minister aware that deliveries from station to place of residence have been reduced to once a week in the area served by Ascot station, and that deliveries to the Windsor Forest area have ceased altogether from Windsor station?
§ LORD MANCROFTI am not aware of that particular case, but now that the noble Lord has informed me of the facts, I will look into it.
§ LORD FORBESI thank the noble Lord for his reply, which indicates that some progress is being made in the right direction.