§ Mr. Robert B. JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes he has made to the directions given to the British Railways Board under section 3 of the558W Railways Act 1974, in view of the objective that InterCity should cease to be eligible for grant from 1 April of the current year.
§ Mr. ChannonI have now issued a direction under section 3 of the Railways Act 1974 which excludes InterCity services from the passenger service obligation. As a result, that sector will no longer be eligible for grant. in accordance with the objectives agreed with Sir Ronald Reid in 1986. The new direction, which replaces that issued in 1974, also clarifies the status of subsequent developments in the board's activities. These changes do not mark any change of policy towards the services provided by the British Railways Board, or in the resources available to them.
A copy of the direction has been placed in the Library of the House.