Ernest Marples: The Shadow Behind Beeching

Ernest Marples revolutionised three UK government departments, appointed Dr Beeching chairman of British Railways, introduced motorways and regulations for motorists, and delivered 300,000 new houses annually. This biography uses newly-available archives to examine public and private transport policy, the growing power of the pro-road lobby, and the identification of personal freedom with driving. Marples' political career was over due to the Profumo Affair, but his business practices caused his 1975 flight to Monaco. Beeching returned to private industry, and Labour took a more positive approach to loss-making passenger services.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Ernest Marples, a prominent figure in British politics during the mid-Twentieth Century, made significant contributions to three key government departments. His tenure at Transport (1959-1964) saw him appoint Dr. Beeching as chairman of British Railways, tasking him with producing the infamous report that revolutionized the railway system. Marples also initiated motorways, introduced significant regulations for motorists, and delivered 300,000 new houses annually during his time at Housing (1951-1954). Additionally, as Postmaster General (1957-1959), he reformed Post Office accounting systems, launched postcodes, and Subscriber Trunk Dialling.

This first biography of Marples delves into public and private transport policy, the growing influence of the pro-road lobby, and the association of personal freedom with driving. It explores the impact of railway sentimentalism on these developments. Marples, fortunate not to be implicated in the Profumo Affair, which rocked the Conservative Party, faced a decline in his political career shortly thereafter due to questionable business practices. In 1975, he fled to Monaco, pursued by the Inland Revenue. Beeching, unhappy under a Labour government, returned to private industry but later chaired a Royal Commission.

Labour, despite promising reforms, showed little friendliness towards the railways initially. However, a more positive approach to loss-making passenger services emerged under Barbara Castle. This book appeals to those interested in Britain's railways and in mid-Twentieth Century British politics.

Weight: 618g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526760180