asked the Minister of Transport what steps he took between January and December, 1963, by issuing general directions to, and by consulting with, the Railways Board and other appropriate bodies, to minimise delay, hardship, and danger to users of rail and road transport in winter weather.

I consulted the British Railways Board, the London Transport Board, licensing authorities, local authority associations, and other interests, about the problems of road and rail transport in winter and the measures necessary to meet them. I also issued detailed guidance to local authorities about keeping roads clear of snow and ice.

Is the Minister aware how very, very lucky not only all of us have been but he in particular has been, that there has not been a repetition of last year's weather, or he might have been sacrificed, justly or unjustly, as a scapegoat? Is the right hon. Gentleman now satisfied that, to take one instance only, the points at Shenfield will no longer freeze up if there is a severe cold snap, as points never now need do?

During the recent very short spell of severe weather the main trouble was, of course, the points freezing, but where automatic heaters were installed they were most effective and there is an annual programme for the installation of further heaters.