§ 25. Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has had about the statement he issued jointly with the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection on commuters.
§ Mr. William RodgersNone, Sir.
§ Mr. SkeetIs the Minister aware that he has been milking the commuters in the South-East and London for a long time and that the service to Bedford has been deplorable, particularly for its state of disrepair? Is he prepared to make certain concessions, particularly in view of the report of the Price Commission? Is he also prepared to bear in mind that now that he is in the Cabinet he can get further concessions for commuters—for example, deductions against income tax for this purpose?
§ Mr. RodgersThe hon. Gentleman has more to be pleased about than some hon. Members, considering the improvements in the services between St. Pancras and Bedford which he knows are taking place. As he rightly said, the Price Commission has looked at the whole problem of commuter fares and the difficulty of deciding how much should be raised in revenue, and therefore in fares, and how much should come, in effect, from the taxpayer. It has made some useful recommendations, and the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection and I have welcomed its report. I am sure that British Rail is more anxious than 235 ever before both to improve the comfort and convenience of commuter services and to explain why they cost a great deal of money.