HC Deb 20 May 1977 vol 932 c310W
Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he is satisfied with the way public subsidies to commuter services are distributed;

(2) if he will take powers to allocate public subsidies to commuter transport services, including those currently operating at a loss.

Mr. William Rodgers

Under the Railways Act 1974 my Department pays compensation to the Railways Board for the costs of operating the passenger railway as a public service. In addition local authorities have power to support local rail or bus services, including commuter services. For my proposals on future support for public transport services I must ask the hon. Member to await my White Paper.