§ Mr. Bestasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement about the British Railways Board's corporate plan.
§ Mr. FowlerI welcome the plan. It shows the progress which can be made on the railways within existing resources. It also accords with my policy that there should be no substantial cuts in the passenger network. The plan brings out very clearly the large opportunities for strengthening the position of the railways by improvements in efficiency and productivity. Any assessment of the arguments for the higher fares that are projected will, however, need further material on the costs of the railways business. I shall be discussing this with the board. I shall also review the traffic forecasts and the projected performances of the commercial businesses and make a further statement as soon as I am ready.