HC Deb 14 July 1982 vol 27 cc414-5W
30. Mr. Flannery

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in view of the recent problems on the railways, he will reconsider a major increase in the amount of investment in British Rail.

Mr. Eyre

The ceiling on the board's investment for 1982–83 stands at £462 million, which in real terms maintains it at the level set by the last Government. It is up to the board to generate the funds to allow it to invest up to this level by continuing to cut costs, improve productivity and increase asset sales.

33. Mr. Trippier

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what effect continued industrial action in British Rail will have on future transport policy.

Mr. David Howell

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch and Lymington (Mr. Adley) on 12 July.

35. Mr. Spriggs

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he next expects to meet the chairman of British Railways.

Mr. David Howell

I refer the hon. Member to my reply earlier today to my hon. Friends the Members for Folkestone and Hythe (Sir A. Costain) and for Northampton, North (Mr. Marlow) and the hon. Members for Liverpool, Scotland Exchange (Mr. Parry) and for Swansea, East (Mr. Anderson).