HC Deb 02 August 1978 vol 955 cc739-40
10. Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the chairman of British Railways over the future fares structure, especially as it concerns commuters.

Mr. William Rodgers

The chairman is aware of my hope to see smaller increases in fares for all rail travellers than has recently been the case.

Mr. Corbett

May I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply and acknowledge the sensitivity of the chairman of British Rail over the commuter fare issue? Could my right hon. Friend try to persuade the chairman that it would be totally unacceptable if, in the next round of fare increases, higher than average increases were sought to be imposed upon commuters in London and the southeast? Will my right hon. Friend confirm that he is well aware of the deep resentment among commuters in London and the south-east over the way they have had to shoulder more than their fair share of this burden?

Mr. Rodgers

I do not know whether the question of persuading the chairman arises. My hon. Friend has been very firm, determined and persuasive himself and I think that the chairman is aware of his views and of the views of all those who feel that the commuter has had a disproportionate burden to bear. As I said in reply to an earlier Question, in the end revenue must cover costs. But I am sure that the chairman will take account of opinion in this matter.

Mr. Marten

In view of the commuter problem may I ask the Minister to give consideration to bringing back Sir Richard Marsh?

Mr. Rodgers

I would have thought that there was a prospect that Sir Richard might have a place in the next Conservative Government if there were ever a change.

Mr. Arnold Shaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware that increasing fares are causing hardship to many commuters? In the hope that any future fare increases will be much smaller, may I ask him to persuade the chairman to make certain that whatever increases take place are made in a way which enables the commuter to budget for a period rather than be subjected to the haphazard increases that have occurred in the past?

Mr. Rodgers

My hon. Friend makes a very important point. It is stability and predictability that many people want. They want convenient and comfortable travel and are prepared to pay the price. But they want to know how much they will have to pay so that they can prepare accordingly. I am sure that that point is in the chairman's mind.