§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from south-east region commuters' organisations concerning the reduction of Government subsidies to British Rail.
§ Mr. David MitchellI have had one letter referred to me from a travellers' association and a number of others from individual members of the public. I can reassure them and my hon. Friend that the reduction we are seeking in subsidy by 1989–90 from Network South East and the provincial sector is a modest 8 per cent. This amounts to 655W a saving of only 4 per cent. of costs over three years. At the same time our new objectives require an increased quality of service; and we are supporting major investments in new rolling stock, electrification, station refurbishment, the improvement of passenger information systems and speeding the issue of tickets. Our commitment to developing a reliable, efficient and modern railway serving the needs of commuters is clear.