asked the Secretary of State for Transport by how much (a) rail fares and (b) bus fares have increased since February 1974; and by how much each increased between June 1970 and February 1974.

British Rail's passenger fares increased in cash terms by an average of 47·5 per cent. between June 1970 and February 1974 and 145·5 per cent. since the latter date. During the same periods bus fares increased in cash terms by 44 per cent. and 133 per cent. respectively.