Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much grant is being given in the current financial year to British Rail to support uneconomic railway services in terms of the Transport Act 1968; whether it is his policy to continue these grants in future years; and if he will make a full statement on the effect on such grants of EEC obligations which Great Britain has accepted.
§ Mr. PeytonThe Government intend to continue support for loss-making passenger services which are estimated to cost £71 million in 1973–74. EEC regulations allow such services to be retained and supported although certain procedural changes will be needed.