Off the rails
Page 27
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What is even more disturbing is that British Rail's E300m loss for last year is likely to be succeeded by one of over £400m this year. It is surely by now apparent that we can no longer afford the luxury of more public ownership.
In the wake of British Rail's reported loss, the railway enthusiasts will lie tioggo for a while, but when the dust has settled they will no doubt take up the cry again that road operators unlike the railmen do not pay their full track costs. Hardly a convincing argument if the railways are to receive upwards of Om a week in grants.
Richard Hope, editor of Rai/way Gazette, Who is not renowned for his love of road transport, said on radio last week that BR was overstaffed by 50 per cent and he estimated that a saving. of half the payroll would save the railways £60m a year. He paid. faint praise to 0-M-0.