29. Mr. Geoffrey Wilsonasked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to British Railways not to hold Press conferences describing their profits until their annual report is published.
§ Mr. MulleyNo.
§ 34. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Transport what is the percentage reduction in investment by British Railways in 1970 as compared with 1964.
§ Mr. MulleyAfter allowance has been made for price changes and for investment in the railway activities transferred to the National Freight Corporation and the Scottish Transport Group under the Transport Act, 1968, the investment ceiling for the Railways Board in 1970 is about 30 per cent. less than investment in 1964.
§ 74. Mr. Waddingtonasked the Minister of Transport if he will give a general direction to the Railways Board to ensure that timetables are not altered in a way which may destroy the profitability of a service and lead to closure.
§ Mr. MurrayNo such direction is necessary. Under the provisions of the Transport Act, 1968, the Railways Board has every incentive to enhance the profitability of all its passenger services. Any significant change in the timetable for a grant-aided service needs my right hon. Friend's approval.