§ 2.57 p.m.
§ LORD CONESFORDMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the British Railways Board has now abandoned the proposal to introduce liner trains; and, if not, whether they can give an approximate date for their introduction.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD LINDGREN)My Lords, I understand that the Railways Board still wish to introduce liner train services as quickly as possible. I cannot at this stage give an approximate date for their introduction.
§ LORD CONESFORDMy Lords, in thanking the Minister for that answer may I ask him this? Are the Government themselves in favour of the introduction of these trains, and can he give 10 any indication of the cause of this extraordinary delay?
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, the Government regard liner trains as an important stage in the modernisation of the railways of this country and as an effective part in transport co-ordination. The Railways Board and the trade unions are well aware of this view. I understand that the delay in their introduction is due to negotiations which, quite rightly, are taking place between the Railways Board and the trade unions in regard to the conditions under which the new services will begin.
§ LORD CONESFORDAm I right in understanding that no outside body has power to impose a veto on the introduction of these trains, or to impose unreasonable conditons based on Luddite fears?
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, I do not exactly understand the intention of that question. The method of attracting and operating traffic is entirely one of management, and entirely one for the Railways Board. But, as would any reasonable employer on the introduction of new methods, they try, and should try, to carry their staff with them.
§ LORD MOLSONMy Lords, do Her Majesty's Government consider that the trade unions should have a veto upon the introduction of this reform?
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, it is not for the Minister. The question of the relationship between a trade union and an employer is entirely one of management, and it is not for a Minister to interfere. Perhaps interference from a Minister would worsen things, rather than improve them.
§ BARONESS HORSBRUGHMy Lords, while I agree that in some cases action by the Government worsens affairs, might I ask the Minister how long the negotiations have been going on, and how long he thinks it will be before any decision is come to?
§ LORD LINDGRENMy Lords, negotiations have been going on for about twelve months and, as I said in my original Answer, I am not yet in a position to announce a date for the introduction of the first service.