To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many British Rail stations in Greater London are unstaffed after 6 pm; and what discussions he has had with the Transport police about the effect on crime and fear of crime at stations as a result.

I understand that statistics are not maintained in the form requested. However, of some 500 stations within the London regional passenger committee's area 56 are totally unstaffed and a further 145 are staffed on the basis of less than two full shifts on any week day. The British transport police are, of course, employed by the British Railways Board and the Secretary of State regularly meets the BR chairman and board members to discuss a wide' range of matters relating to the railways, including policing and crime.