asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his proposed reductions in the Government grant to the Greater London Council in respect of London Transport; and what is the estimated effect of such reductions on London passenger fares.

In line with the Government's economic strategy, I have asked the Greater London Council and the Metropolitan counties to reduce their proposed spending on local transport in 1977–78. Until they have responded and I have decided their allocations of grant, it is not possible to say what the effect will be on any item of local transport expenditure.