asked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the average length of time passenger trains from Newcastle to King's Cross have been late during the last six weeks?

During the last six weeks, owing to the very heavy loading on this route, I regret that the trains have been, on an average, half an hour late in reaching King's Cross.

Is the Minister taking any steps to try and get the trains to run more to time?

The company hope to be able to improve the running of these trains. Nobody will know better than the hon. Gentleman that the trouble on this line is due to the special coal trains, and it would be a pity to make alterations to the time-table if there is reasonable hope of getting the trains back again to punctual running on the present schedule.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say where the special trains are going, because nobody knows?