HC Deb 15 January 1990 vol 165 cc35-6W
11. Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he proposes to make any changes in the level of financial support given to the provision of British Rail local services.

Mr. Portillo

The Government show their firm commitment to maintaining essential local services by paying substantial subsidies to British Rail, amounting to some £500 million in the current financial year. By 1993 Network SouthEast should no longer require revenue subsidy, but we shall still be paying well over £300 million per year in today's prices to subsidise provincial rail services.

16. Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next plans to meet the chairman of British Rail; and what matters will be discussed.

Mr. Parkinson

I plan to meet the chairman of British Rail on 17 January when we will discuss a variety of railway matters.

33. Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next plans to meet the chairman of British Rail to discuss matters of safety.

Mr. Portillo

We expect to receive next month the chairman's first report on the implementation of Sir Anthony Hidden's recommendations following the Clapham junction accident. My right hon. Friend hopes to discuss this report with the chairman soon afterwards.