HC Deb 15 March 1994 vol 239 cc651-2W
Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what subsidy would be required to continue to operate late night trains between Euston and Coventry, Birmingham and Wolverhampton as at present;

(2) what representations he has received concerning the proposed removal of late night trains between Euston and Coventry, Birmingham and Wolverhampton;

(3) what study he has undertaken into the impact of the withdrawal of late night trains between Euston and Coventry, Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

Mr. Freeman

I understand that BR intends to discontinue the late night 23.40 service between Euston and Coventry, Birmingham and Wolverhampton on the grounds of low patronage. The subsidy required to continue the service cannot be accurately assessed because British Rail does not generally establish the net costs of operating individual services. At present, the InterCity service to the west midlands is not in receipt of subsidy.

I have received one representation about the removal of the train.

The assessment of the impact of this change is a matter for BR.

The charges apply at any time of day throughout the year since there is no peak/off-peak charging structure at either airport.

There are no noise rebates available at either airport.

The following aircraft assumptions apply:

Maximum take off weight (tonnes) Seats Passengers at 80 per cent, loadfactor
Boeing 737–200 53 109 87
Fokker 27 19 44 35

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