HL Deb 12 June 1973 vol 343 cc527-9

2.42 p.m.

THE EARL OF DUNDONALD

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 there is any intention to restrict the existing direct passenger rail service between Glasgow and Oban, bearing in mind, in particular, the developing tourist industry in the Oban area and the Outer Islands.

LORD MOW/BRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, there are no current proposals to restrict the existing direct passenger rail service between Glasgow and Oban. The Government are well aware of the importance of Oban to the tourist industry both on the mainland and the Islands.

THE EARL OF DUNDONALD

My Lords., I should like to thank the noble Lord for that very clear-cut Answer which will put heart into that part of Scotland. May I draw his attention to Occasional Bulletin No. 4 on transport issued by the Highlands and Islands Development Board, and ask whether the wording I am about to quote conflicts in some way with his Answer? Paragrap h 20 says: We support the idea that the Oban line should be operated as a branch of the Glasgow/Mallaig railway—without signalling, with minimal track and terminal costs, and with through carriages detached and attached at Crianlarich. In winter the line could perhaps operate on a connecting basis without through carriages. Would the Minister agree that that paragraph conflicts somewhat with the Answer that he has given?

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, the answer I must give my noble friend is quite simple. The document that the Highlands and Islands Development Board have issued is very interesting and useful. It is submitted purely as a basis for discussion for the Secretary of State for Scotland. My right honourable friend will be discussing these matters later.

LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYE

My Lords, arising out of the noble Lord's reply, if the Government appreciate the importance of the West Coast of Scotland, can we have an assurance that they equally appreciate the importance of the East Coast, and that there will be no interference at all with the East Coast line up to Dingwall and Wick?

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, being personally affected by the East Coast line, I can assure my noble friend that I will certainly take a deep interest in it.

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, will the noble Lord confirm that there is no significance to be attached to the use of the word "current" in his first Answer?

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, there is obviously a significance because we have guaranteed everything up to January 1, 1974. After that we will be looking afresh in the terms of the rail policy review.