§ Mr. Michael Heseltineasked the Minister of Transport what percentage of the estimated cost of maintaining suburban rail services in the Passenger Transport Authorities will be met by Government grant in the second, in the third and in the fourth year.
§ Mr. Swingler:As stated in the White Paper on Public Transport and Traffic, the level of Government grant will be tapered over a period of years in the light of progress with the transport plan which the new authorities will have to 296W prepare and of the rising level of other forms of Government help to public transport. No decisions can be taken at this stage on the exact rates for years after the first.
§ Mr. Michael Heseltineasked the Minister of Transport what figures she has obtained, in preparing her proposed legislation, for the estimated loss on suburban rail services in the Manchester, West Midlands, Merseyside and Tyneside areas, respectively, for 1968, 1969 and 1970.
§ Mr. Swingler:The financial situation of suburban rail services in future years will depend on the policies pursued by the Authorities and Executives for the areas concerned, and on what services the Authorities consider should be provided to meet local travel needs.