ABSTRACT
The demolition of the transport monopoly, which began in 1953, did not stem entirely from an enlightened recognition of this defect. The abolition of the obligations relating to equality and to undue preference by the 1953 Act and the large capital expenditure involved in the modernization plan are evidence of this. The control of the Transport Tribunal over maximum passenger fares meant that cross-subsidization could in many cases only be withdrawn by closures and Sir Brian Robertson might well have felt 10th to close lines which could conceivably have been made to pay their way if there had been complete freedom of charges. The new freedom is not solely restricted to charges. The Board is to be allowed to develop its lands and, if it so desires, to construct and operate pipelines. The Treasury assumes responsibility for all existing British Transport stock and the ‘commencing debt’ to the Treasury is apportioned between the new Boards by the Minister.
