HC Deb 20 December 1967 vol 756 cc413-4W
97. Mr. Higgins

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will ask the appropriate transport users' consultative committee to examine the feasibility of the British Railways', Southern Region, timetable in the light of the grave inconvenience caused to passengers by the failure of the management to operate it.

101. Mr. Cordle

asked the Minister of Transport if she will instruct the Transport Users' Consultative Committee to hold a special inquiry into the management and operation of British Railways', Soutern Region, passenger services, in view of the disorganisation that has occurred since July.

105. Sir J. Eden

asked the Minister of Transport if she will refer to the Transport Users' Consultative Committee the poor standard of service provided by British Railways on their Southern Region arising from the continued late-running of trains and other failures; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. John Morris:

My right hon. Friend does not think it appropriate for her to refer these matters to the Transport Users' Consultative Committee. I understand that the London Area Committee are considering representations they have received on the subject, but no recommendation has been made to my right hon. Friend as a result.

98. Mr. Higgins

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will direct the Inspector of Accidents to hold a special inquiry into the safety standards and maintenance of British Railways, Southern Region, with particular reference to the cumulative effect of signal failures, points failures, fractured rails, broken fishplates and broken wagon and carriage couplings.

Mr. John Morris:

The responsibility for the safety and efficiency of railway operations rests with the Railways Board.

However, because of the concern which has arisen following the tragic accident at Hither Green, my right hon. Friend has thought it right to inform herself about the adequacy of the measures being taken regarding maintenance in the Southern Region. In addition to such temporary measures as a reduction of the maximum speed and an increase in the patrolling of the line between Chislehurst and Hither Green, and elsewhere as considered necessary, the Board has arranged for a special examination of the track in order to see whether any special steps are necessary to improve maintenance. The most up-to-date equipment for detecting rail cracks, which has recently been acquired, has been specially assigned to, and is now in use in, the region. The Chief Inspecting Officer is satisfied that these measures are adequate.