HC Deb 29 April 1981 vol 3 cc774-5
8. Mr. Durant

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with the chairman of British Rail his fare pricing policy.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We are always ready to talk to the chairman of the Railways Board on any matter, but the board has sole responsibility for fares.

Mr. Durant

I accept what my hon. and learned Friend says. In view of the present high cost of energy, does he agree that this is the best opportunity for British Rail to attract passenger traffic? Bearing in mind the success of the recent BR old-age pensioner scheme, will he discuss with the chairman the possibilities of looking at off-peak commuter fares as well as overseas package holidays, which I believe could make a lot of money for British Rail?

Mr. Clarke

To be fair, British Rail has an adventurous fare policy. Its railcard policy covers many groups which might not otherwise have used the trains considerably. The board's recent scheme for the disabled is an example. I also agree with my hon. Friend that there is scope for encouraging off-peak travelling on commuter services, and I am sure that British Rail is interested in that.

Mr. Ashley

Will the Minister tell the chairman of British Rail that there can be no possible justification for refusing reduced fares under the big city saver scheme to a city such as Stoke-on-Trent with a population of 250,000, especially when the same scheme applies to towns such as Macclesfield with much smaller populations?

Mr. Clarke

I shall draw the right hon. Gentleman's remarks to the attention of the chairman, but British Railmust market its services, and it arranges its fares to bring onto the system passengers who might otherwise not travel with a view to maximising its revenue. If it were to give up revenue at the present time, it would only add to its financial problems. That would have an ill-effect on other rail passengers as well as the taxpayer.

Mr. Beith

Does the Minister agree that many of these concessionary schemes and railcards are deservedly popular? It is therefore unfortunate that in order to get at a minority British Rail should withdraw those facilities for the four days preceding the England-Scotland match from stations not only in Scotland but in England as well, including Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Mr. Clarke

I am sure that British Rail appreciates that many ordinary travellers and football supporters will be inconvenienced by those arrangements. However, I am sure the whole House agrees that British Rail and its employees have faced appalling problems in the past from the England-Scotland match, and something fairly drastic was required this year.