HC Deb 26 May 1952 vol 501 cc101-3W
65. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport by what amount the revenue from British Transport Commission passenger services in the London area, including those of London Transport and the suburban lines of British Railways, was estimated to increase in a full year, following the fare increases that took place on 2nd March; and how much of this increase represents rises in sub-standard and concessionary fares.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Revenue from the British Transport Commission's passenger services in the London Area, including those of London Transport and on the suburban lines of British Railways, was estimated to be increased in a full year following the fare increases on 2nd March by £12,500,000. Of this amount I am informed that some £1,250,000 represents the special increase in substandard and concessionary fares additional to the normal increase.

70. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now announce what changes will be made in London transport fares to bring them into line with those outside the London area.

75. Captain Ryder

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in his discussions in regard to modifications of the recent fare increases in the London area; and if he will make a statement.

76. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Transport whether, as the London fare increases have yielded an additional £2,500,000 in the 11 weeks ending 17th May last, he will expedite the introduction of a revised scheme of fares for London.

83. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the result of his consultation with the British Transport Commission in regard to the fare increases that have already taken place in London; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The Commission's proposals for modification of certain fare increases raise a number of points on which further discussions will be necessary. These are being dealt with urgently.

71. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport if he will now state the terms of reference to the Central Transport Consultative Committee in regard to sub-standard and concessionary fares.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The proposals which the British Transport Commission have submitted for modification of certain fare increases raise points which will require further discussion. I am, therefore, not yet in a position to make any statement about a reference to the Central Transport Consultative Committee.

72. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the hardship which London season ticket-holders and shift-workers are experiencing whilst new fare proposals are being worked out, if he will direct the Transport Commission to return the fare structure to the position which held before the recent increases, until such time as revised proposals are ready.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No. The difficulties about this were made quite clear in the debate on 28th April last on Transport fares.