§ Mr. Hall-Davisasked the Minister of Transport whether she intends to increase the £6 million so far authorised for investment in liner train services.
§ Mr. Websterasked the Minister of Transport if she will give the total capital investment so far on the liner train service, showing separately the expenditure on terminals and rolling stock; and what further expenditure is planned.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe total capital investment so far incurred or committed on freightliner services is £3.3 million, comprising £1.5 million on railway wagons and containers, £0.5 million on road vehicles and £1.3 million on terminals and associated equipment. The Railways Board is at present authorised to invest up to £6.7 million on freightliners, including £0.7 million on road vehicles. It has not so far sought my right hon. Friend's approval for any increase.
§ Mr. Websterasked the Minister of Transport if she will give the proportion of capacity at which liner trains must operate to cover running costs, and give a return on capital, respectively.
§ Mr. SwinglerNo; it would not be in the commercial interest of the Railways Board to do so.
§ Mr. Berryasked the Minister of Transport if she will give the percentage of capacity utilised for each week for each liner train service since they have been operating; and if she will estimate the loss incurred by these services to date.
143W
§ Mr. SwinglerNo. It would be against the Railways Board's commercial interests to disclose so much detail on individual services.
§ Mr. A. Royleasked the Minister of Transport if she will give the dates on which she has discussed with the National Union of Railwaymen the opening of the liner train terminals to private road hauliers.
§ Mr. SwinglerMy right hon. Friend had discussions with N.U.R. representatives on 20th April and 10th May.