§ Mr. Powellasked the Minister of Transport by how much he plans that the working deficit on British Rail in 1964 shall be reduced in 1965 and each of the three next following years.
§ Mr. Tom FraserThe British Railways Board estimate that their working deficit 109W in 1965 will be about £10 million less than in 1964. As regards the future, I am awaiting the results of a review which the Board are making of their prospects over a five year period.
§ Mr. Powellasked the Minister of Transport why the deficit accruing on British Rail in the first eight weeks of 1965 is £3 million higher than the original Estimate.
§ Mr. Tom FraserThe increase in the Vote Estimate figure for British Railways' deficit for the first eight weeks of 1965 is attributable to wage increases which took effect from 21st December, 1964, the cost of which is partly offset by additional revenues derived from increased fares and charges which have already been publicly announced and put into effect.