HC Deb 16 July 1958 vol 591 cc1234-6
48. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what revision of the estimates of the revenues of the British Transport Commission contained in Command Paper No. 9880, Proposals for the Railways, has been made as a result of the changed circumstances arising from the matter contained in the 1957 Report and Accounts of the Commission and the losses incurred by the omnibus strike; and if he will publish the figures.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Harold Watkinson)

As the Chairman of the British Transport Commission stated on 25th June, when the Commission's Report and Accounts for 1957 were published, the Commission does not seek to be relieved of the commitment accepted in the White Paper of 1956 (Cmd. 9880) to bring its accounts into balance by 1961–62, even though several of the general conditions which the Commission postulated at the time have not been fulfilled entirely and consistently. No revision in the estimates has therefore been made.

Mr. Davies

While it is to be hoped that the optimistic predictions of the Chairman of the Commission are fulfilled, is it not a fact that conditions have changed since publication of the White Paper two years ago? In view of the House's commitments in the matter of the financing of the Commission, are we not entitled to have more up-to-date estimates than those prepared at that time?

Mr. Watkinson

No doubt the hon. Gentleman will have an opportunity of going into this in the debate tomorrow. In the meantime, I support what the Chairman has said, and I hope that the hon. Gentleman does so too.

49. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what consultations he has had with the Chairman of the British Transport Commission concerning the losses caused by the bus strike, with a view to giving the Commission a general direction in regard to the level of fares in London in view of their influence on the level of fares nationally.

Mr. Watkinson

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Truro (Mr. G. Wilson) on 30th June.

Mr. Davies

Whilst it would be very regrettable if it were necessary to increase fares in London, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied that the economies mentioned in the reply to which he has referred me will not impair in any way the efficiency of London Transport? Is it not a fact that London Transport has the reputation of having one of the best metropolitan transport services in the world? We do not want to do anything that will impair the system.

Mr. Watkinson

I do not think they will impair the services, but they will no doubt materially reduce them.

54. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will now authorise the British Transport Commission to proceed with the capital investment programme in full which was planned by the regional boards and presented to the Commission, but curtailed by capital cuts imposed upon them.

Mr. Watkinson

The regional programmes for investment in the railways in 1958 and 1959 never reached the stage of being considered for authorisation by the British Transport Commission. The additional £25 million which the Government authorised last May is as much as the Commission felt it could usefully spend. It brings the level of investment well above that planned when the restrictions were imposed and will enable the Commission to accelerate the projects that will give an early financial return.

Mr. Davies

In view of the relaxation of control over private investment, will not the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to obtain authority to allow the Transport Commission to develop its programme as speedily as possible and not continue to impose restrictions on the Commission?

Mr. Watkinson

The hon. Gentleman cannot have heard what I said. I said that the additional £25 million which the Government authorised last May was as much as the Commission felt it could usefully spend.