§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Transport what instructions are given to British Transport police with regard to the detection and prevention of ticket fraud; and what is the nature of their relationship in this work with London Regional Transport staff.
§ Mr. David MitchellIt is the function of the British Transport police to protect both the general public using the Underground and London Underground staff from crime and th effects of crime. It is also their function to protect and safeguard London Underground's property. They have a duty to assist in the detection and prevention of any offence against the law or against the railway byelaws, including ticket fraud. It will not normally be necessary for staff to seek the assistance of the British 257W Transport police in order to deal with minor offences of fare evasion, but the police may be called upon by London Underground management by individual members of staff if they believe that assistance is needed, for instance where they believe that there is a risk of violence directed against staff.