HC Deb 23 February 1987 vol 111 cc10-1
12. Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the latest fares increase on London Regional Transport undertakings; what was the increase in 1981; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Moore

London Regional Transport fares increased in real terms by an average of 0.5 per cent. on 11 January. Fares have again been held broadly at their real level following the last fares change under the GLC-controlled London Transport in 1983.

Mr. Greenway

Through my right hon. Friend, may I congratulate London Regional Transport on that very low increase in fares, which is so much below the level of inflation? May I also invite my right hon. Friend to compare it with the GLC's 100 per cent. increase in London Transport fares in 1982 at the same time as it increased rates by 100 per cent.? Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is to the eternal satisfaction of Londoners that London Regional Transport has been put in charge?

Mr. Moore

My hon. Friend is quite right. He had experience of the impact of GLC policies on his constituents when they wished to travel. My hon. Friend will be interested to know that Labour's transport policy document "Fresh Directions" offers a GLC-type transport policy if ever we have the misfortune to have the Labour party in government again.

Mr. Chapman

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that keeping fares broadly in line with inflation, and not ahead of it, has resulted in more people using LRT services, particularly on the Underground, and that that has made it possible for management to provide more services? Surely that is a good thing. Will he confirm that it has also led to an increase in the capital investment programme?

Mr. Moore

My hon. Friend is absolutely right in all the points that he makes. About 30 per cent. more passenger journeys are now being made than in 1983. In fact, there is a record level of travelling on the Underground. That is a clear indication of the success of these policies.