§ 77. Mr. Grimondasked the Minister of Transport if she is aware of the 10 per cent. increase in small consignments on passenger and goods trains and the 5 per cent. on the wagon load by merchandise trains recently announced by the 136W Scottish Region of British Railways; whether she is satisfied that these increases are in line with the incomes and prices policy or the policy for spreading industry and trade to the underdeveloped parts of Scotland; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MorrisThese increased charges are not confined to the Scottish Region. Certain general increases in rates and charges were needed because the Railways Board could not absorb the whole of their increased staff costs. We are satisfied that these increases are necessary if the Railways Board are to discharge their statutory financial duty and that they do not conflict either with the prices and incomes policy or with the Government's plans for expansion of the Scottish economy.