§ 16. Sir R. Russellasked the Minister of Transport what proportion of the £130 million loss which she forecasts for British Railways during 1967 is due to closure proposals refused since 16th October, 1964.
§ Mr. John MorrisAbout 1½ per cent.
§ 28. Mr. Websterasked the Minister of Transport what is her estimate of the losses of British Railways for each of the next three years.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe deficit in the current year is likely to be about £130 million. I cannot attempt to forecast the position beyond this until the work of the Joint Review of British Railways has been completed.
§ Mr. WebsterWould not any such estimates be based on a higher rate of reduction of mileage than hitherto? Is there enough finance available to meet these deficits from the Transport Finances Act of last year?
§ Mr. MorrisAs regards the first point, the hon. Gentleman must await publication of the map, which my right hon. Friend intends to publish shortly. As regards the second point, the whole of the finances of British Railways are now being examined by the Joint Review, of which I am chairman, and our proposals will appear shortly in the form of the Bill which my right hon. Friend will present to the House.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsIs my hon. Friend aware that almost the only effective way of reducing losses on the railways would be to increase their traffic? Would he appeal to right hon. and hon. Members opposite to help him in this regard by forgetting that British Railways are their favourite Aunt Sally?