HC Deb 06 April 1977 vol 929 cc520-1W
16. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions have been held between his Department and the British Railways Board on proposals to maintain the present limit on Government financial support for rail passenger services and investment for a further five years beyond 1981; and if he will make a statement.

37. Mr. Pendry

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions have been held between his Department and the British Railways Board on proposals to maintain the present limit on Government financial support for rail passengers services and investment for a further five years beyond 1981; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William Rodgers

My officials have been examining with the British Railways Board the detailed implications of maintaining the present levels of support and investment beyond 1981, but no decisions have yet been taken.

31. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider the public financing of the permanent way of British Railways' routes on the same basis as the financing of motorways and trunk roads.

Mr. William Rodgers

As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 28th March, Government support to railway operations in 1976 in fact exceeded their track and signalling costs.

33. Mr. Bagier

asked the Secretary of State for Transport on the basis of a railway system of how many track miles his White Paper on transport policy will be based.

Mr. William Rodgers

The White Paper will set out an important and continuing rôle for the railways. I do not expect it to specify a total length of track.

36. Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has received to reduce the existing rail network by 2,500 track miles; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William Rodgers

None.