§ Viscount MASSEREENE and FERRARDMy 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 why the stock excuse from British Rail to passengers alighting at their destination from a train arriving late is, invariably, "shortage of staff".
§ Baroness STEDMANMy Lords, this is not the stock excuse. Although during the last two months of 1977 some of Southern Region's services were badly affected by staff problems resulting from industrial action, the most common cause of train lateness is equipment failure. May I add that fewer than 10 per cent. of British Rail's passenger services arrive over five minutes late and that the dispute on Southern Region has now been resolved.
§ Viscount MASSEREENE and FERRARDMy Lords, while thanking the noble Baroness for that Answer, may I ask whether she is aware that the other day I received a letter from a lady who applied for a situation in a Government Department? The location of the work was near a railway station and she was told that no applicants for the job would be considered if they travelled by British Rail. Therefore, would the noble Baroness not agree that British Rail must be rather unpunctual on occasions?
§ Baroness STEDMANMy Lords, I was not aware of the letter in question, but if the noble Viscount will let me have the information I shall certainly take it up with British Rail.
§ Viscount MASSEREENE and FERRARDMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness and I can show her the letter.