HL Deb 26 June 1973 vol 343 cc1838-40
LORD FERRIER

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, as it seems more than possible that the Kyle of Lochalsh line may be reprieved, whether the observation car, which went to the U.S.A. with the "Flying Scotsman" enterprise (now suspended), can be repatriated for use on this line and, if not, whether British Railways propose to replace it by a new one for use during the tourist season in view of the magnificent scenery in that part of the Highlands.

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment consented to the withdrawal of the Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsh rail passenger service, subject to the condition that it should not he withdrawn before January 1, 1974, and that certain specified replacement bus services should be provided. An urgent and thorough study of the implications for the passenger service of future oil industry development and exploration off the West Coast of Scotland is now being carried out. The provision of observation cars is entirely a matter of management for the British Railways Board.

LORD FERRIER

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. If, as I believe is possible, there will be observation cars on that line, and the one in America cannot be recovered, would he ask his right honourable friend whether, in contemplating the design, they will provide for refreshment for passengers in order to augment the service?

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, I think the noble Lord made the statement that there would be observation cars. My information is that the British Railways Board have no intention of restoring them because they are uneconomic. As regards a restaurant car, I will see that his observations are passed on to the Railways Board.

LORD FERRIER

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply. Would he ask his right honourable friend whether it might be possible that an observation car combined with a refreshment car would be economic?

LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTON

My Lords, it is up to the British Railways Board, as I have said, to investigate this matter.