§ 13. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Transport what conversations he has had with executive officers of London Transport to prevent increased fares for commuting passengers; and, having regard to a required increase of fares of 2s. 3d. in the £ sterling, or 11¼ per cent., to make good the anticipated loss of London Transport for 1968–69, what steps he proposes to take to restore solvency.
§ Mr. SwinglerNone, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given 1086 to him on 8th May. London Transport's proposals for fares increases are with the Transport Tribunal to determine as required by statute. Proposals for London Transport's future financial position will be set out shortly in a White Paper on the reorganisation of transport in London.—[Vol. 764, c. 394–5.]
§ Sir G. NabarroBut this, again, is an utterly inconclusive answer. Will the hon. Gentleman apply himself to the fact that there is a large deficit already and that there are further deficits pending on London Transport account? As the undertaking is required to pay its way, what increase in fares have the Government in mind? Is it to be 2s. 3d. in the £, and if so, will not that breach the prices and incomes policy finally?
§ Mr. SwinglerPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will apply himself to the statutory position. If he does, he will discover that the Transport Tribunal is the authority with the power of decision in this matter. This is the position which we inherited in 1964. We are now awaiting the decision on the matter by the Transport Tribunal as the statutory authority.