HL Deb 01 February 1989 vol 503 cc1084-5

2.50 p.m.

Lord Moyne asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will state, by regions, the amounts spent and to be spent by British Rail on the introduction of digital clocks in 1988, 1989 and 1990, and whether there are any plans to retain traditional clocks in railway stations.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)

My Lords, these are management matters for the Railways Board. I understand that Network South-East plans to install electronically controlled digital clocks at all its stations in order to help improve punctuality of trains. Old clocks which do not meet modern standards of accuracy will normally be removed, but I understand that British Rail will consider any suggestions as to alternative homes for them.

Lord Moyne

My Lords, in thanking my noble friend for his Answer, it is clearly no use to press him for figures since Her Majesty's Government seem to regard themselves, perhaps constitutionally, as unable to deal with the question of expenditure and the effect on fares. Therefore, may I ask my noble friend, in the general context of the merits of clocks, whether there is any hope that the clock at Andover will be repaired and retained?

As part of the same question, perhaps I may ask whether my noble friend is aware that at Liverpool Street British Rail has had the wisdom to put in dialled clocks with sweep second hands. Surely such clocks are the very best way of showing the exact time at a distance and at a glance.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for having given me notice of the two stations to which he referred; otherwise I would not be in a position to answer his supplementary question.

As regards the Andover clock, I am afraid that it is unreliable, difficult to maintain and repair, and, having two faces, it unfortunately often shows different times on each face, which can be rather confusing for passengers. I understand that British Rail may be prepared to consider giving the Andover clock to the local community, and no doubt that will be followed up.

In regard to Liverpool Street, I understand that the clock to which my noble friend referred is not a British Rail clock but is part of the development taking place at that station.

Lord Shackleton

My Lords, can the noble Lord say what British Rail's arrangements are for enabling drivers of trains approaching a station rather late to have a sight of the digital clock and thus ensure their punctuality, as the noble Lord thinks? If the noble Lord is also considering the future use of clocks, is he aware that the clock in the Gare d'Orsai in Paris is now a glorious centrepiece in a marvellous museum—the Musee d'Orsai? All the British Rail clocks could be offered to British museums.

Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone

With all their faces. my Lords!

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, the whole purpose of introducing the new clocks is to improve punctuality. It will be easier for drivers to see the clocks and, it is to be hoped, for the trains to run on time.

I take note of the noble Lord's suggestion on the use of the old clocks. It is of course for British Rail to decide. I understand that British Rail wishes to retain a few historic clocks, but they will not be thrown out. British Rail intends to make every effort to find good homes for them.

Lord Ferrier

My Lords, can the noble Lord assure the House that the Government will resist any attempt to alter the face of Big Ben to a digital form?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, though that question strays somewhat from the main Question, I think I can give the noble Lord the assurance that he seeks.