HC Deb 09 February 1966 vol 724 cc395-6
44. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the continued deficit of British Railways, she will take steps to ensure that all unremunerative services, which are run for purely social or other reasons, shall be a charge on the Exchequer and not on the Railways Board.

Mrs. Castle

These services are, in fact, already a charge on the Exchequer owing to the payment of grant to the Railways Board in respect of their overall revenue deficit. But I shall be considering the point which my hon. Friend has in mind, along with other relevant matters, in working out a co-ordinated transport policy.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my right hon. Friend give an estimate of the size of the problem in financial terms?

Mrs. Castle

As I think my hon. Friend knows, the total deficit of British Railways in 1964 was £121 million, and its estimated deficit for 1965 is £132 million.

Mr. Hogg

Will the right hon. Lady consider adding to the list of these costs the costs of liner trains so long as the railway unions prevent access at the depot?

Mrs. Castle

As I replied to the House earlier, some liner trains are operating. We hope that the system will be operating fully before too long.