§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will state those directions or requirements he has made of British Railways Board since 1979 and 1983, respectively, which they need to take into account when making fare increases.
§ Mr. David MitchellAll formal directions are set out in the board's annual report and accounts, copies of which are in the Library. External financing limits are published in the annual Public Expenditure White Paper.
Interim financial targets were set for inter-city and freight operations in March 1980 and published in that year's annual report. On 24 October 1983 the Chairman was set comprehensive objectives, printed in the Official Report at column 47. On 24 July 1984, at column 555, the Chairmen of BR and LRT were set joint objectives designed to promote closer co-operation in improving transport services for London. On 30 July 1984 at column 75 a specific commercial target was set for the inter-city sector. I am publishing today the latest objectives, which supercede previous ones.
Within the general constraints set by Government, it is for the board to determine the level of fares.