§ Mr. Marlowasked the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government will refer the matter of manning levels and hours worked by drivers in British Rail to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission under section 11 of the Competition Act 1980.
§ The Prime MinisterThese and other aspects of British Rail's costs and efficiency were covered in the 357W report by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the board's London and South-East commuter services, which was published in October 1980. These matters are kept under continuous review. I am only too well aware that all aspects of costs, as reflected in prices, are important to consumers.
§ Mr. Marlowasked the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government will require from the British Railways Board under section 4(3) of the Railways Act 1974 a report on the working practices of drivers, and in particular, the extent to which paid work or duty is being performed.
§ The Prime MinisterI share the concern that I know my hon. Friend has about the recent allegations of malpractice by some British Rail staff and it must be right that these allegations should be thoroughly and urgently investigated. However, the day-to-day management of British Rail's work force is the responsibility of the board. It is holding an investigation and the results of this will be brought to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. This investigation will be the quickest and most appropriate way to establish the facts rather than proceeding by way of the powers my hon. Friend mentions.