§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport under what legislative authority, and for what purposes, level crossing grant is paid to British Rail.
§ Mr. FreemanUnder EC regulation 1192/69 railway undertakings are eligible for compensation to eliminate financial disparities which other transport modes do not have to bear, including the provision of level crossing facilities. British Rail receives from central Government a grant covering 50 per cent. of the costs of providing such facilities. The Railways Act 1974 provides the Secretary of State with the relevant statutory powers.