Oral Answers to Questions — Railways – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 10 November 1947.
Mr Joseph Sparks
, Acton
12:00,
10 November 1947
asked the Minister of Transport if he will state the average number of passengers travelling daily on the 8.15 a.m. train King's Lynn to Wells on Sea, L.N.E.R., during October, 1947; why this train has again been introduced after having been withdrawn from last winter's service; and whether he is satisfied that its running justifies the consumption of coal and engine power.
Mr James Callaghan
Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Transport)
On 30th October, 15 passengers used this train. The railway company restored it because its carriages are also used for other trains. I am making further inquiries into the need for these trains.
Mr Joseph Sparks
, Acton
Is my hon. Friend aware that, according to information which has been sent to me, there very often are not more than six passengers travelling on this train? If that is the case, it does not merit the expenditure of engine power and capacity.
Mr James Callaghan
Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of Transport)
Whether the number is six or 15, I certainly think that further inquiry ought to be made.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
