§ Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Transport the percentage increases in road and rail passenger transport charges since 1946 to the latest stated date.
§ Mr. MaclayThe following is the available information:
British Railways, for journeys not wholly within the London area or on the London, Tilbury and Southend Line
Fares were increased from 33⅓ per cent. above pre-war (25 per cent. in the case of season ticket rates and workmen's fares) in 1946 to 55 per cent. above prewar in 1947. There has been no further change to date, except for a 10 per cent. increase in monthly return fares on 1st January, 1952.
London Transport (road and rail) and British Railways for journeys wholly within the London area and on the London, Tilbury and Southend Line
At the end of 1946 fares on London Transport were about 16 per cent. above pre-war overall, while on British Railways fares for the above mentioned journeys had been increased as, for journeys not wholly within the London area. All these fares are now governed by the British Transport Commission (Passenger) Charges Scheme, 1952, and are estimated to be about 86 per cent. above pre-war overall.
Trams, trolley vehicles and omnibuses outside London area
On trams and trolley vehicles, I have authorised certain increases in respect of individual undertakings; but it is not possible to state the average overall percentage 49W increase. In the case of omnibuses, the increases are authorised by the licensing authorities and I have no detailed information.