HC Deb 03 November 1986 vol 103 cc334-5W
13. Mr. Moynihan

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on revenue subsidies to London Regional Transport.

Mr. Moore

London Regional Transport is to be congratulated on reducing the burden of revenue subsidies to £97.4 million last year. It virtually achieved in one year the target reduction to £95 million for which we gave it three years. This has allowed for increased investment to improve the system. £234 million was spent last year to which we contributed grant of £198 million; this year the target for investment is increased to £261 million and capital grant goes up to £216 million. At the same time the burden on London's ratepayers has been reduced from I0.8p in the pound last year to 9.79p in the pound this year.

Efficiency has not been won by cutting services. The volume of bus services has been maintained and underground services are being increased to cater for record levels of patronage. We have just approved £45 million investment in additional trains.

15. Mr. Raynsford

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met representatives of London Regional Transport staff.

Mr. David Mitchell

My right hon. Friend has had no meetings with representatives of London Regional Transport staff since taking up his appointment.

30. Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the chairman of London Regional Transport.

Mr. David Mitchell

My right hon. Friend sees Dr. Bright from time to time. Their last meeting was at the London Passenger Transport Group on 22 July. My own most recent meeting with Dr. Bright was on 14 October.

32. Mr. Snape

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with London Regional Transport management concerning service levels.

Mr. David Mitchell

None. These are the responsibility of management.

24. Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects London Regional Transport to publish its business plan for 1987–88.

Mr. David Mitchell

I understand that London Regional Transport proposes to publish its business plan for 1987–88 in December.

37. Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what developments have occurred on London Regional Transport since the capital's transport systems were recovered from Greater London council control; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

London Regional Transport's record has been one of success. The underground services have achieved record levels of patronage, while bus patronage has been stabilised after many years of decline. More efficient management has reduced the operating subsidies required to less than half the sum planned by the GLC. This has left room to increase investment in improving the system, up from £234 million spent last year to £261 million planned for this year, while still usefully reducing the burden on the ratepayer.