Commuter Services (London and South-East)

HC Deb 23 December 1981 vol 15 cc980-1

8. Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends to bring forward new proposals to improve rail commuter services in London and the South-East.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I hope that the British Railways Board, whose responsibility it is, will continue to improve its services.

Mr. Dobson

Does the Minister accept that even the Monopolies and Mergers Commission recognised that if British Rail is to improve its services in London and the South-East, and to improve productivity, a substantial amount of public investment will be needed? Does the hon. and learned Gentleman realise that he must get on and improve public investment as soon as possible? If he does not, there is a possibility that the dynamic weighbridge will go down in history as the only dynamic aspect of the Government's transport policy.

Mr. Clarke

Some odd things are said about the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's comments about the commuter services in London and the South-East. I recommend that the hon. Gentleman should read its report. It shows that a great deal can be done within existing resources if productivity is improved and the present very high level of investment in London Transport is maintained. The Government are glad that improvements have been made in commuter services in recent years, and we are determined that such improvements should continue. That can be done within practicable and present levels of investment if some improvements in productivity are also made.

Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

Does my hon. and learned Friend appreciate that British Rail could put forward a simple proposal to undertake a major review of how its trains are cleaned? Does he realise that my constituents find it unforgiveable that the trains that they use every day should be so filthy?

Mr. Clarke

We are concerned to meet passengers' preferences. I agree that all the evidence is that passengers want cleaner trains that are punctual and reliable. Passengers do not want to pay greatly increased fares so that they can have ultra-modern rolling stock. Therefore, we have pointed out that we do not see the need for extra investment in order to produce ever glossier trains. We want better and cleaner use of the existing, reasonable level of stock.