asked the Minister of Transport what discussions he has had with the London Transport Board with a view to finding a solution of the Board's financial difficulties, so as to avoid a further increase in fares.

As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-on-Tyne, West (Mr. Popplewell) on 23rd June, we have been undertaking a thorough examination of the conditions under which the London Transport Board operate. This has involved discussions with the Board over the whole range of their present and prospective problems, financial and operational. I hope to make a statement about the outcome soon.