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906. GENERAL MATTERS OF POLICY

1. Position of schemes still to be submitted

(a)  Manchester Parts 4, 5 and 6

Mr.Thatcher reported that the survey of passenger services in the Lancashire and Cheshire area was proceeding and on the information at present available it was expected that the multiple unit services as originally envisaged could not be justified and amended proposals would be formulated.  Consequently the proposals for a maintenance depot at Lostock Hall should be left in abeyance until the full position was clarified.

The Chairman asked that a further report on the progress of the investigations be submitted at the end of February.

(b)  St.Pancras - Leicester/Nottingham

Mr.Aston stated it was anticipated that the existing trains would be worked by diesel locomotives from September next in accordance with the plan to have all passenger services south of Leicester worked by diesel traction from that date.  He pointed out that there were some local passenger trains on which it would not be profitable to employ diesel locomotives, and proposals were being put forward for the multiple units working Derby - Leicester - Nottingham services to be augmented by two-car sets to cover residual requirements.

(c)  Chester - Rhyl - Llandudno

The Chief Accountant was awaiting information from the Divisional Traffic Manager in relation to passenger receipts and when this was available the matter would be referred to the Line Traffic Manager, Manchester.

Mr.Riley pointed out that it seemed likely the anticipated receipts would barely cover movement and terminal costs and before the scheme could be proceeded with, it may be necessary for the economics of the other services on this section of line to be examined to see what contribution they make to track, signalling and other indirect costs.

(d)  East Midlands
  Derby Friargate - Nottingham Victoria - Grantham
  Nottingham Mid. - Mansfield - Worksop
  Derby Mid. - Sheffield Mid.

The financial details in respect of the Nottingham Mid.-Mansfield-Worksop scheme had been referred back by the Divisional Line Traffic Manager, and the Chief Accountant was preparing more detailed information.  Similar information was being compiled by the Chief Accountant for the two other schemes to assist the Line Traffic Manager in considering the future of the services.