§ 28. Mr. Sackvilleasked the Secretary of State for Transport if, when he next meets the chairman of British Rail, he will raise with him the subject of the encouragement of more private sector catering trolley services on British Rail routes which lack buffet services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellWe have asked the British Rail chairman to obtain more supply and support services from the private sector, including catering. I am pleased that private trolley services are now operating on several BR routes. I want to see them on many more. The BR board tells me it would welcome further proposals and I hope that private firms will come forward with them. In effect there is an open invitation to caterers to identify a train service where travellers provide a market and put a proposition to BR. It is also an invitation to travellers who want a service where one is not now provided to draw attention to the opportunity.