§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what communication his Department has had with Hertfordshire county council with regard to his policy on South-East rail services.
§ Mr. David HowellThe views of Hertfordshire county council were sought on the policies I have outlined for the operation of Britsh Rail's London and South-East service., and when these were received my Department responded explaining, amongst other things, that it is not my intention that the quality of service to commuters should be reduced.
§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Tranport if he has any estimate of the change which will result in peak-hour commuter train provision as a result of the policy he outlined in press notice 321 with regard to London and South-East rail services.
§ Mr. David HowellI expect that the policies I outlined would result in peak-hour trains being more reliable, more punctual and cleaner and that as part of the means for avoiding real fare increases, they would carry on average rather more passengers than at present—in line with the Monopolies and Mergers Commission's recommendations on the efficient matching of supply and demand.