HC Deb 11 June 1979 vol 968 c66W
Mr. Rodgers

asked the Minister of Transport what is his policy on future increases in commuter rail fares.

Mr. Fowler

It is for the Railways Board to decide on the appropriate level of fares on commuter rail services, as on others.

Mr. Rodgers

asked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take in the light of the application of British Railways for a further fares increase in September 1979.

Mr. Fowler

British Rail has made no such application.

Mr. Rodgers

asked the Minister of Transport what estimate he has made of the average increase in passenger fares that would arise from a reduction of £20 million in the public service obligation grant to British Railways.

Mr. Fowler

It is for the British Railways Board to determine the level of fares needed to meet its obligation. No doubt the Board has already taken into account the reduction of £20 million on revenue support by the end of the decade announced by the right hon. Member in his White Paper on transport policy two years ago.