London Transport

HC Deb 20 June 1979 vol 968 cc1307-8

13. Mr. Newens

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to meet the chairman of London Transport.

Mr. Fowler

Soon.

Mr. Newens

Will the Minister emphasise to the chairman the vital need to keep open the Epping-Ongar section of the Central Line? Will he take this opportunity to make clear whether he supports the view of a number of local Conservatives who believe that additional subsidies should be made available from central funds to keep the line open or whether he believes that local authorities must accept the responsibility? Is he aware of the discussions that have taken place on this matter? Is he prepared to give his support to action that has already begun to try to ensure that the line is not closed?

Mr. Fowler

I shall certainly examine the points raised by the hon. Gentleman, but this is essentially a question for the local authorities and the London Transport executive.

Mr. McCrindle

Rather than taking the line outlined by the hon. Member for Harlow (Mr. Newens), will my right hon. Friend consider calling together London Transport, the Greater London Council and the Essex county council to see whether there is not a better way of assessing the alleged loss on the Epping-Ongar line? Will my right hon. Friend draw the attention of those to whom he speaks to the fact that passengers who join the line at one of the four stations on the Epping-Ongar section often continue through to Liverpool Street, Oxford Circus or beyond?

Mr. Fowler

I note my hon. Friend's points, and shall draw them to the attention of the interested parties—the councils and London Transport.

Mr. Moyle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is growing discontent with the bus services in London, and that the GLC is starving the London Transport executive of funds, compared with the money made available in other large cities in this country? Will he therefore make a maximum effort in the Cabinet to ensure that support for local authorities is not cut? Otherwise, more and more of my constituents will be spending less and less time at work and will be unable to exercise the magnificent burst of productivity for which the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues are calling.

Mr. Fowler

I shall take into account the right hon. Gentleman's views on this matter, which is primarily the responsibility of the London Transport executive and not of the Government.