HC Deb 09 February 1977 vol 925 cc706-7W
12. Mr. Bagier

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the level of Government support for British Railways freight and parcels businesses in 1975; and what it is expected to be in 1976 and 1977.

Mr. William Rodgers

Payments made to date are £63 million for 1975 and £36 million for 1976. The precise amounts due for these years will become clear only when the grant audits now in progress have been completed. The Transport (Financial Provisions) Bill envisages support in 1977 not exceeding £30 million.

29. Mr. Buchanan

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Government accept in principle the need for a rolling programme for rail investment.

Mr. William Rodgers

Yes, rolling programmes have advantages in some important areas of rail investment.

37. Mr. Spriggs

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the likely daily loss of passenger volume by 1981 which would result from British Railway's meeting the financial objectives or its London and South East outer suburban services set out in Vol I/7.52 of the Transport Policy Consultation Document.

Mr. William Rodgers

The level of traffic would depend on many things, including the manner in which the Railways Board might choose to seek to meet its financial objectives.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the number of passenger journeys by rail for the last available date and for five and 10 years previously, respectively.

Mr. Horam

For journeys on British Rail the information is as follows:

PASSENGER JOURNEYS
millions
1975 715
1970 824
1965 865

The figures are not strictly comparable. Over the period some 40 million journeys were transferred to London Transport; and the statistical basis was changed with the introduction of through booking facilities.