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Southern Region
5. Mr Taylor reported that most of the hopelessly unremunerative branch lines had already been closed. The Southern Region would be prepared to institute a pilot scheme on the Westerham and Hawkhurst branches, operating from Tonbridge locomotive depot, with three of four vehicles. However, provision for parcels would be required, and passenger loads were such, on occasions, that, in his view, larger vehicles would be more suitable.
Scottish Region
6. Mr. Stewart stated that his Region welcomed the proposed experiments, in view of the the urgent need for concrete information on this type of service. They would propose to use vehicles, firstly on the Crieff - Gleneagles branch, the closure of which had been the dispute with the Consultative Committee, and secondly, on the Ballachulish branch, which was at present being examined from the point of view of more economical working. The Region would require seven or eight cars for these schemes. He stressed the need for developing economical signalling and level-crossing arrangements, if these could be agree with the Ministry.
London Midland Region
7. Mr. Varley reported that the London Midland Region would be prepared to undertake experiments with four-wheeled vehicles, in addition to the present Banbury - Buckingham experiment with a standard single car fitted with controls at both ends. The routes to be covered were not yet decided, but three to six cars would be required.
8. Mr. Cameron said that falling traffics in rural areas were a problem to road operators as well as rail operators. He agreed that a limited experiment would be valuable, but pointed out that if too much importance were attached to it, the Consultative Committees would refuse their agreement to branch line closures until the experiment was complete.
9. Mr. Harvey reported that light-weight cars were popular in Germany, where many hundreds were in use, both single units and cars adapted to haul trailers. Movement cost was alleged to be about 1s. 6d. per car mile, but it was not know whether operation was profitable or not. A joint B.T.C. - Ministry team was to study level-crossing operation on the Continent in October and it was hoped that, as a result, more economical methods of operation would be sanctioned.
10. Mr. Bond stated his view that maximum speeds of 60-65 m.p.h., rather than 40-45 m.p.h. were desirable.
11. Mr. Robson stated that three firms had expressed interest in the construction of this type of vehicle, and one firm had submitted a firm tended for two prototype cars. They proposed a two-axle vehicle, 38' in length with a 19' wheel base. Air powered, folding doors, under drivers' control, would be provided. 48-60 seats, according to type of seating provided, could be installed. There was no provision for lavatories or luggage space, but this could be included at the expense of some seating. Total loaded weight would be 11 1/2 tone. Power would be provided by a 120 h.p. engine, and transmitted through a 4-speed gear box. The maximum speed would be 55 m.p.h. A novel type of suspension was proposed, which should provide good riding qualities.