§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take to encourage people and freight loads back on to the railways to save fuel; whether he has considered the proposals of the general secretary of the National Union of Railwaymen on this subject; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FowlerIt is for the British Railways Board to consider how to attract new passenger, and worthwhile new freight business, for the railways. But I am confident that the board's decision to freeze passenger fares for the rest of this year, together with the introduction of the family rail card and other reduced fare schemes will increase the attractiveness of passenger rail travel. Railfreight's competitiveness also will be strengthened by the increased price of fuel.