HC Deb 07 April 1982 vol 21 cc939-41
8. Mr. John Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for transport what recent discussions he has held on the possibility of establishing a new transport authority for Greater London to cover all bus, train and underground services within the capital.

Mr. David Howell

In my recent discussions with the GLC, London Transport and the unions I have asked each to consider the defects in their current relationships and how they will be improved. I put to the Select Committee on Transport a fortnight ago a number of points on wider organisational issues. I shall study very carefully any recommendations that it may make.

Mr. Hunt

In the meantime, is my right hon. Friend aware that my constituents and many others in London are heartily sick of the antics of Mr. Livingstone and Mr. Wetzel? They are sick of the expensive advertisements and all the other gimmicks that are being used. Is not a new transport authority for London which is directly answerable to the Secretary of State now the only effective way of stopping the ratepayers and farepayers of London from being used as pawns in Labour's political games at County Hall?

Mr. Howell

My hon. Friend's feelings are widely shared. I have put to the GLC the requirement that it should produce a proper plan for the organisation of London Transport, using the resources available, so that an efficient and good service for Londoners is achieved. It is correct that if it is not able to do so, or if it refuses to fulfil its responsibilities, put its house in order and proceed in a sensible way, it may be necessary for the Government to impose their own solutions, as I told the Select Committee. The first task is for the GLC to put aside its politicking and get on with giving the London Transport system the context needed for a fair deal for London.

Mr. Bidwell

Does the Secretary of State agree that, notwithstanding views about politicising in London, the head of London Transport thoroughly agreed with the GLC's fare cutting policy? We might think in abstract terms of the new structuring of the running of London Transport, but immediately there are urgent problems to which the Secretary of State must address his mind so that he can assist those in charge at the moment to return as quickly as possible to a cheap fares policy.

Mr. Howell

The head of London Transport does not agree that the move towards low fares and increased efficiency should be financed by sky-high rates. He was wise not to agree to that. High rates on businesses in central London damage the City and undermine employment opportunities. Such a move is rightly rejected on all sides.

Mr. Anthony Grant

As well as taking responsibility for London Transport away from the GLC, which has proved manifestly incapable of dealing with it, why not go one better and get rid of the GLC?

Mr. Howell

My hon. Friend must not tempt me. That question raises issues wider than transport.

Mr. Booth

When will the Secretary of State acknowledge that the GLC's campaign for its low-fares policy had support that went much wider than the Labour Party? There was broad-based support for that campaign. When will the Secretary of State reconsider his previous decision not to legislate to deal with the Lords' decision? Will he give an answer to the House on that issue before the GLC is forced to jack up fares even higher or start to cut bus services or close Underground stations?

Mr. Howell

My decision, which I believe to be wholly correct, was not to accede to the right hon. Gentleman's pressures that there should be emergency legislation to put the clock back and allow a continuation of the low-fares policy financed by sky-high rates. That was a wholly correct view for the Government to take, and we were right to resist the right hon. Gentleman's pressures. As for the GLC campaign, I am only sorry that the right hon. Gentleman has not taken the opportunity to condemn the conduct of that campaign with ratepayers' money, which I believe to be wholly reprehensible.