§ Ms Glenda JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how much additional grant his Department will provide to London Transport to compensate for loss of revenue as a result of the franchising director's decision to cap British Rail fares; [25088]
(2) what is the effect on London Transport revenue forecasts of the franchising director's decision to cap British Rail fares in (a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998, (d) 1999 and (e) 2000. [25087]
§ Mr. NorrisThe effect will depend on the future relationship between London Transport and rail fares, and the fares which LT would have charged in the absence of the franchising director's decision. All relevant factors will be taken into account when LT's future funding requirements are considered.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of his recent statements on rail fares upon the(a) Crewe to Holyhead rail line and (b) Wrexham to Birkenhead rail line; and if he will make a statement. [24838]
§ Mr. WattsThe regulation of fares is a matter for the franchising director. Except in passenger transport executive areas, the franchising director will regulate all Saver tickets, unrestricted standard returns where there are no Savers, and all standard weekly season tickets. Prices for these tickets will be capped by the increase in the retail prices index for the next three years, and 1 per cent, per annum below the RPI for the following four years. Regulation will apply to British rail as well as franchised services. PTEs will continue to be able to control fares in their areas.