HL Deb 09 March 1995 vol 562 cc395-6

3.10 p.m.

Lord Dubs asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any plans to alter or scrap the present Travelcard arrangements for public transport in London.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)

My Lords, no, the Government have no such plans.

Lord Dubs

My Lords, I thank the Minister for giving that assurance. Nevertheless, what will happen to the Travelcard when privatisation hits public transport in London? Will he give an assurance that whatever the scope of privatisation—which I personally regret—the Travelcard will remain for the use of Londoners on all modes of travel for which it is currently available?

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, the Secretary of State for Transport has instructed the franchise director to take all appropriate steps to provide for the participation by franchisees in multi-modal travel schemes. The privatisation of British Rail will not affect the Travelcard. The Travelcard will continue.

Lord Clinton-Davis

My Lords, when the Minister says that the Secretary of State has given instructions to the franchise director, is he saying that in this case—unlike others where only guidance can be given—the franchise director is obliged to act on the instructions of the Secretary of State?

Viscount Goschen

My Lords, in this case it is a matter of instructions, not guidance.