asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that railway fares are double omnibus fares from Louth to most places in Lincolnshire; and what steps he will take to reduce railway fares and so attract passengers from the overcrowded omnibuses to the half-empty trains.

I am aware that there are differences between rail and road fares in many areas. Under present conditions it would not be possible to remove them. Bus fares are related to individual services and vary widely in different localities, whereas railway fares are generally on a basis applicable throughout the country. I have no doubt, however, that the matter would be considered in connection with the preparation and settlement of the charges schemes of the British Transport Commission.