§ 33. Mr. Channonasked the Minister of Transport if she will give a general direction, in the public interest, to British Railways that, when making applications for fare increases or for reducing train services, they should afford the general public a detailed profit and loss account for the line concerned.
§ Mr. John MorrisNo, Sir.
§ Mr. ChannonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, whether he has given it once or twice, that Answer is thoroughly unsatisfactory? When British Rail makes a proposal either to abandon services or to cut them drastically, even if he will not let the general public see it—I think he should—why should not the Member of Parliament for the area concerned know the figures for the line?
§ Mr. MorrisIf my Answer is regarded by the hon. Gentleman as being thoroughly unsatisfactory, it is because of the existing statutory position, which is the direct result of the Act of 1962, for which the hon. Member voted.