§ Mr. David Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Transport, what effect the new financial targets for British Rail will have on (a) passenger rail fares in Scotland, (b) freight tariffs in Scotland, (c) the track mileage operated by British Rail in Scotland and (d) the number of personnel employed by British Rail in Scotland.
§ Mr. David MitchellThese are all detailed matters for the British Railways Board. However, as we have already made clear to the House, suggestions that our new objectives for the board will result in swingeing average 297W fares increases or sweeping service cuts are alarmist nonsense. Our objectives will secure improved quality services from a secure network at better value for money.