THE DEMISE OF MAIL RAIL

Early day motion 1088, tabled 28 April 2003 by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 49 members.

That this House regrets the demise of Royal Mail's historic and unique underground railway in London known as Mail Rail, dedicated to the transportation of letters and parcels across 23 miles of track running from Paddington to Whitechapel; notes the valuable service that Mail Rail provided by delivering an average of four million letters per day between nine dedicated stations including two mainline railway stations and four sorting offices; further regrets that Mail Rail is no longer financially viable; urges all parties involved to ensure its mothballing does not result in additional lorry journeys, congestion and pollution on London's streets; and calls on the Government to consider the legislative changes necessary to enable alternative use of the system so that this important piece of infrastructure can continue to benefit the capital.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 27, Labour 16, Plaid Cymru 3, Conservative 1, DUP 1, UUP 1.