§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD SEGALMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when the construction of the new Oxford Station is likely to commence, and when the work is likely to be completed.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS (LORD SHEPHERD)My Lords, I understand from the British Railways Board that they have sought planning permission from the Oxford City Council for the construction of a new station at Oxford. They have not, however, put an investment proposal to my right honourable friend the Minister of Transport, and no date for the start of work can be given at present.
§ LORD SEGALMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. In view of the considerable loss of public good will since the closure of the "down" platform more than a year ago, could not the preliminary steps be hurried on before growing resentment ceases to make this passenger traffic a paying proposition? Further, could my noble friend say how long it is likely to be before the work is completed once it has begun?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I fear that, in answer to the latter part of the noble Lord's supplementary question, I cannot give a date. In regard to the first point that the noble Lord made, may I say that the fears he expressed earlier this year have not been borne out, in that the increase in passenger traffic in Oxford, despite the inconveniences that are fully recognised, has been shown to be most satisfactory. The British Railways Board are most anxious to proceed with the construction of this new station, taking into account the economic circumstances.
§ LORD SEGALMy Lords, while most gratified to hear of the increase in railway passenger traffic, I would ask my noble friend this further question. Does he not realise that this increase is hardly in keeping with the exceptional increase in general traffic in this area, and still remains only the hard core of the potential railway traffic which could accrue if proper facilities were given?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I would agree that this station, which is an old station, constructed in 1850, certainly needs to be rebuilt. At the moment, the British Railways Board are improving the condition of the tunnel between the "up" and the "down" lines, but I cannot hold out any specific hope until that new station has been built.
VISCOUNT ST. DAVIDSMy Lords, can my noble friend tell me whether this work includes the abolition of the old sidings to the passenger station, whose present existence means that there is a railway swing bridge across the Oxford canal which takes 40 minutes and six men's handwork to swing every time a boat goes through, at considerable cost and with no payment to the British Railways Board?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I had an awful fear when I saw my noble friend that he would bring in canals and particularly the Oxford Canal. I am afraid I could not answer his specific question without notice.