§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will state the routes and services of the British Railways Board whose future has been the subject of recent consultation; if he will state for each the estimated savings calculated to accrue from closure of the route or withdrawal of the service, together with the basis of the calculations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe objectives which the Government set the British Railways Board last October require it to review those cases where attractive bus services could meet the needs of travellers as conveniently and often at markedly less cost than the present rail services before investing in new rolling stock for them. We have yet to discuss with the board how it is following up that requirement.
§ Dr. Marekasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will direct the British Railways Board to adopt customer service standards that will include halving the present charge for left luggage lockers and a maximum wait of 10 minutes for the purchase of tickets or the deposit or withdrawal of left luggage.
§ Mr. David MitchellOne of the quality of service targets which my right hon. Friend agreed for the British Railways Board last June was that passengers should have to queue at ticket offices for no longer than three minutes off peak and five minutes during peak periods. Arrangements for left-luggage facilities are entirely a matter for the board.
§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with the chairman of British Rail the deteriorating state of the local trains used on the service from West Drayton to Paddington and the need for their replacement.
§ Mr. David MitchellI understand that British Rail will shortly submit a case for replacing the rolling stock on this service. I shall consider its case as quickly as practicable when I receive it.