HC Deb 19 June 1968 vol 766 cc137-8W
Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Transport what estimate he has made of the effect on the railway deficit for 1968 of the Government's refusal to allow certain increases in railway fares and charges because of the standstill.

Mr. Carmichael

British Railways have made it clear that the Report of the Prices and Incomes Board will add to their difficulties in the short term, but they and we are confident that the deficit will be contained within the Estimate already made.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to quantify the influence of devaluation on railway business; and to what extent he intends to allow justifiable increases in fares and charges as a result.

Mr. Carmichael

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Worcestershire, South (Sir G. Nabarro) on 8th May, and to what my right hon. Friend told the House on 30th May, on the Third Reading of the Transport Bill.—[Vol. 764, c. 390; Vol. 765. c. 2063–66.]