§ Mr. Bishopasked the Minister of Transport to what extent he took into account the fact that rail fares between Nottingham and Lincoln are being increased by 40 per cent. as from 1st December in his decision to make a grant under Section 39 of the Transport Act, 1968, to take effect from 1st January; and what is the amount of the grant he plans to give.
38W
§ Mr. MarshIn accordance with one of the main recommendations of the recent Report No. 72 by the National Board for Prices and Incomes, which the Government have accepted, the Railways Board are in general now free to adjust fares outside London to individual markets. This principle applies equally to services which will be grant-aided.
As I explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Sudbury and Woodbridge (Mr. Stainton) on 15th November, I am not yet able to quote the amount of grant involved in this case because certain adjustments have to be made before the figures can be finalised, but I intend to announce the grant for this and other services early in 1969. It will take account of the expected yield of the new fares.—[Vol. 773, c. 172–80.]