§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the Consumers Association regarding the quotation of rail ticket prices; what assessment he has made; if he will make it his policy to require rail staff to quote the lowest possible fare available; and if he will make a statement. [8732]
§ Mr. WattsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has been sent a copy of theWhich? survey into British Rail's ticketing and information services.
The survey is based on a small and selective sample of routes and does not provide a representative picture of BR's performance. Nevertheless, passengers have a right to expect accurate travel information and it has been recognised for some time that the present arrangements need improvement. A national train information system is being developed for the new railway, and rail privatisation, by introducing sector energy and know-how, should help address the shortcomings of the current systems.
Operators are already required to provided impartial and comprehensive information about rail fares.