HL Deb 03 February 1966 vol 272 cc487-8

3.14 p.m.

LORD MONTAGU OF BEAULIEU

My 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To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, before the last steam locomotives are withdrawn from British Rail, they will cause or enable a film to be made of steam trains in operation, in order to record for the National Archives the passing of an age of transport which was instrumental in the development of Great Britain as an industrial power.

THE PARLIAMENTRY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF POWER (LORD LINDGREN)

My Lords, I understand that British Transport Films have already produced a 40-minute film, called Giants of Steam, which records the heyday of the steam locomotive. They also possess a large stock of library film material, in black and white, and also in color, on this subject.

LORD MONTAGU OF BEAULIEU

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer. I hope he appreciates that this Question has been asked, not in a frivolous manner, but in order to draw the Government's attention to the fact that once this opportunity is missed it will never occur again, much to the regret of future generations. I feel that something should be done while these steam engines are going out of service.

LORD LINDGREN

Yes, my Lords. This film has already been made by the British Transport Films Unit, in conjunction with the B.B.C., and I am informed by the British Transport Board this morning that if the noble Lord would like to see the film—it is a 40-minutes run—if he will get in touch with them they will be only too pleased to let him see it.