HC Deb 26 October 1992 vol 212 cc486-7W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the criteria by which fares are adjusted or increased by British Rail; and what input his Department has.

Mr. Freeman

British Rail take account of many factors in setting fares. These include the level of investment required to maintain and improve services, market conditions and the quality of service. Ministers are consulted in view of their role in setting the financial framework and objectives for BR.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to increase efficiency on the London to Tilbury and Southend line; and how much fares will increase on this line on average in the new year.

Mr. Freeman

Work on the resignalling project for the line is progressing. British Rail believes this project to be the key to improving the reliability of the line.

Fares on the LT&S line—other than Travelcard—will rise by 5 per cent. compared with an average of 7.5 per cent. on Network SouthEast as a whole.