§ 2.54 p.m.
§ Lord Molloy asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether the revenue of London Transport has increased since the installation of automatic ticket barriers.
§ Viscount DavidsonMy Lords, London Underground Limited estimates that the installation of the automatic gates has increased its revenue by £ 3 million a year.
§ Lord MolloyMy Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. However, is he also aware that the feature known as barrier jumping has increased enormously and that the use of plastic travel cards has been abused by cheats hiring them out or through cheats finding lost cards and using them? If these matters were dealt with, the financial situation of London Underground could be even better. Furthermore, would it not be wise to reinstate the travelling ticket inspectors who achieved so much as regards catching cheats and saving money for London Transport?
§ Viscount DavidsonMy Lords, these are all matters for London Underground. I am sure that the chairman of London Underground will read the comments of the noble Lord.
§ Lord UnderhillMy Lords, we have been told on a number of occasions that in all stations with ticket barriers there will be a safety button and a member of staff always available to use that safety button. Have there been any complaints about the absence of staff in such circumstances? What is the view of the London Regional Passengers Committee on the continuation of the ticket barriers?
§ Viscount DavidsonMy Lords, London Underground has stated that there will always be two members of staff on duty at the ticket barriers. That policy is being carried out. As regards complaints, no more than half a dozen have been received in the past three months.
§ Lord Boyd-CarpenterMy Lords, has there been an increase in the costs and expenditure of London Underground to put against the increase in revenue of which my noble friend informed the House?
§ Viscount DavidsonMy Lords, I cannot give that information without notice.
§ Lord UnderhillMy Lords, is the proviso that two members of staff should be available at ticket barriers being applied at Westminster station in the mornings? To my knowledge it is not being applied there. I asked the Minister what the view of the London Regional Passengers Committee is on this situation. Has the Minister any comments on that?
§ Viscount DavidsonNo, my Lords. That is a matter for London Underground. I shall draw the attention of the chairman of London Transport to the situation at Westminster station and to problems at particular stations.
§ Lord MolloyMy Lords, will the Minister convey to his right honourable friend in another place the fact that travelling ticket inspectors not only sorted out cheats but were also useful officers to assist passengers in an emergency? They also helped in the administration of London Transport. Many people feel that the travelling ticket inspectors should be reinstated.
§ Viscount DavidsonMy Lords, again, I shall draw those remarks to the attention of the chairman.