§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total financial assistance by way of write-off, grant and loan given last year to transport services in London.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe funding of transport services in London, other than for British Rail services, is essentially a 457W matter for the Greater London Council and the councils of the London boroughs.
For 1977–78 I accepted proposed expenditure by the council and the boroughs of £200 million on which the Department is paying Transport Supplementary Grant of £91 million. In addition, the Department will also pay to the London Transport Executive grants in respect of new buses and of research totalling £5 million.
The GLC's approved budget proposals for 1977–78 included provision for capital grants to LTE of £59 million, revenue support grants of £58 million, repayment of debt charges amounting to £12 million and loans of £1.8 million. The Council's budget also includes provision for capital grants to British Rail of £200,000 and revenue support grants of £300,000.
Government grant to British Rail passenger services is given to the entire system and it is not possible to say what amount is in respect of railway services in London.