HC Deb 09 November 1987 vol 122 cc77-8W
43. Mr. Flannery

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the Government cash subsidies for British Rail for each year respectively, from 1979 to 1987.

Mr. David Mitchell

The figures for Government support for the British Railways Board taken from the final claims for grant in compensation for the public service obligation under EEC regulation 1191/69 and section 3 of the Railways Act 1974 and for level crossings grant under EC regulation 1192/69 from 1979 to 1987–88 are as follows:

£ million
1979 498.1
1980 591.4
1981 766.6
1982 835.6
1983 873.0
1984–85 1088.9
1985–86 839.7
1986–87 733.4
1987–88 814.5

1984–85 is a 15-month period reflecting a change in the British Railways Board financial year. The figures for 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88 remain provisional; final claims have not yet been agreed. All figures are cash.

64. Mr. Holt

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will next be meeting the chairman of British Rail; and what will be discussed.

Mr. David Mitchell

I shall be having a discussion with Sir Robert Reid next week to discuss British Rail performance generally.