§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider introducing legislation to seek to provide compensation for members of the public who have paid for their season tickets and who sustain financial loss through internal disputes in British Railways.
§ Mr. William Rodgers:No. British Rail already makes pro-rata refunds or extensions of ticket validity to season ticket holders if it considers that circumstances justify it.
§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to provide free car parking facilities in London on production of a rail season ticket by persons whose service has been 646W disrupted by an internal dispute within British Railways.
§ Mr. William Rodgers:Arrangements already exist for the relaxation of on-street parking controls and for the provision of free parking in some of the Royal parks in central London when public transport is severely disrupted. The operation of these emergency arrangements is decided in consultation with the Metropolitan Police. Selective controls over the use of these facilities is not practicable.
§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will seek to revise the laws of contract so as to remove any restriction inhibiting rail season ticket holders from taking legal action for breach of contract when the service purchased is not provided.
§ Mr. William Rodgers:I do not know what restrictions the hon. Member is referring to.