(a) West Cumberland Scheme - Mr.Reynolds reported that the three vans were working in the Manchester Part 1, Birmingham Part 1 and West Cumberland schemes, and he promised to let Mr.Nicholls have details of present steam parcels working in the West Cumberland area for the purpose of a re-assessment of savings to be achieved by substitution of diesel parcels vans.
(b) Manchester Part 2 scheme - Two vans authorised for inclusion in 1959 building programme.
(c) St.Pancras scheme - Noted that Commission authority has now been given for two parcels vans for this scheme.
(7) Coupling together of units
Noted that a satisfactory procedure had been agreed between the Commission and the manufacturers in respect of 100 single engine vehicles to be built by Messrs.Cravens for the L.M.Region.
Mr.Low stated that the prototype Rolls Royce unit was to be returned to Derby Works to be fitted with a special control system in order to prove the system is workable.
(8) Units out of service for Works attention
Mr.Low said the recommendation made at the meeting on July 16th were being considered by the Chief Mechanical & Electrical Engineer to see what could be done to improve availability.
611. RAIL BUSES FOR RURAL AREAS
(1) Employment of three rail buses on
L.M.Region
Service in steam timings commenced on August 11th and augmented service in diesel timings on September 15th. Mr.Dow was of the opinion that the augmented service should be given a fair trial and he was not prepared to recommend that the figure of £2,500 per annum for anticipated additional receipts be increased. Mr.Dow would supply Mr.Nicholls with information in respect of through traffic which was not reflected in local to line bookings.
