HC Deb 13 May 1964 vol 695 cc399-400
23. Mr. D. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the fact that the raising of parking charges at station car parks is inconsistent with the acknowledged need to promote the greater use of public transport, if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the British Railways Board to re-examine these charges in this context.

Mr. Galbraith

No, Sir. The fixing of charges at car parks owned by the British Railways Board is entirely the responsibility of the Board. It is not a matter in which it would be appropriate for us to intervene. And the relatively small increases—averaging about 3d. a day for the regular user—are unlikely to have any material effect on the use of car parks at stations where they have been introduced.

Mr. Griffiths

In view of the efforts that have been made to encourage people to travel into Central London by public transport, is the hon. Gentleman aware that the raising of car parking charges at stations is a deterrent to them? Is this not complete extortion? Whatever information the hon. Gentleman may have, I had a letter about an instance where the increase in the car parking charge was 700 per cent. Is that going to encourage drivers to park outside London and continue their journey by rail?

Mr. Galbraith

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that it is up to the Railways Board to consider what charges are likely to help it most. Obviously it wishes to encourage people to use public transport, but, equally, it must take into account the demands for parking and the space available, and it is in the light of those two considerations that this decision has been taken. I have not had representations of the nature which the hon. Gentleman has had.

Mr. Griffiths

That is a most unsatisfactory reply.

Mr. Dance

May I ask my hon. Friend to reconsider the matter? The charges have gone up very considerably—more than 100 per cent. at Leamington Spa. Does he not believe that this should be a service to encourage people to travel by train?

Mr. Galbraith

I cannot agree with my hon. Friend. At the present moment the prices at 409 stations are 1s. 6d. a day and 6s. a week; at 165 stations they remain the same; in April at 251 stations the prices were increased from 1s. 6d. to 2s. a day and from 6s. to 7s. 6d. a week; and at 19 stations the charges were increased to 2s. 6d. a day and 9s. a week. I do not think that the increases are of the nature which my hon. Friend has indicated.