Rural Rail Services

HC Deb 08 March 1979 vol 963 cc763-4W

Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department will make additional financial provision available to British Railways in order to allow for the purchase of new rolling stock on rural and local lines; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William Rodgers

The Government already pay the British Railways Board over £400 million a year, of which over £50 million is a special allowance for the replacement of the assets. This grant is paid in respect of the whole passenger railway. It is for the Board to decide its priorities within the framework of the Government's policy.