HC Deb 10 February 1997 vol 290 cc68-9W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many complaints have been received by the Office of the Rail Regulator regarding the lack of impartial advice on ticket sales. [14493]

Mr. Watts

Since 1 April 1996, the Rail Regulator has received two specific complaints about the lack of impartial advice on ticket sales.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff will be involved in the proposed survey of rail ticket outlets by the Rail Regulator following his report into impartial ticket sales. [14495]

Mr. Watts

The Rail Regulator has employed a professional market research organisation to carry out the survey of rail ticket outlets. The number of staff involved in the survey is a matter for it.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research was undertaken in the form of anonymous purchase of rail tickets by Rail Regulator staff prior to the publication of the recent report into impartial ticket sales. [14494]

Mr. Watts

The Rail Regulator employed consultants to test the capabilities of station ticket offices in 1995, when all train operating companies were owned and controlled by the British Railways Board.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many railway stations will be included in the proposed survey of rail ticket outlets by the Rail Regulator following his report into impartial ticket sales. [14496]

Mr. Watts

Some 613 stations are included in the Rail Regulator's survey of rail ticket outlets.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the Rail Regulator will give advance warning to train operating companies before undertaking the survey of rail ticket outlets. [14400]

Mr. Watts

The Rail Regulator has given advance warning of his intention to carry out surveys of rail ticket outlets. No prior warning is being given about the details of the surveys.