HC Deb 22 May 1978 vol 950 c452W
Mr. Tierney

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in view of British Railways' decision to freeze fares, he will issue a circular to transport authorities suggesting that they freeze fares within their own areas.

Mr. Horam

Bus fares must be approved by the traffic commissioners and rail fares are within the jurisdiction of the Price Commission. The fares of any operator must be related to his circumstances and it is not appropriate to issue formal guidance. However as a general rule we hope that local transport operators will not need to increase fares more often than about once a year nor appreciably faster on average than the rate of cost inflation.