Passenger Transport Executive

HC Deb 03 December 1984 vol 69 cc1-2

1. Mr. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations he has had with British Rail regarding the proposal to end section 20 grants.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. David Mitchell)

We have no intention to end the powers of passenger transport executives to make such payments.

Mr. Edwards

Did I hear the Minister say that he has no powers?

Mr. Mitchell

We have no intention to end the powers of passenger transport executives to make such payments. I am afraid that this is typical of the myth designed to frighten travellers and I am glad to have this opportunity to kill stone dead that rumour before it spreads further.

Mr. Edwards

Is the Minister aware that a grant of £100 million to British Rail is in jeopardy? Is the Minister further aware that the west midlands passenger service will have difficulty in surviving?

Mr. Mitchell

I have endeavoured to kill the rumour. I can only add that the West Midlands PTE, in the three-year plan that it made this year, makes no suggestion of possible withdrawals of section 20 grants to British Rail.