§ 15. Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to support the provision of as many different forms of public transport as possible in rural areas of Wales in both the private and the public sector, including mini-bus and post-bus services.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsResponsibility for these and other local transport matters rests in Wales with the county councils. We shall continue, however, to encourage them to consider all the different forms of transport where appropriate to their plans.
§ Mr. BestDoes my hon. Friend agree that the present licensing regulations are extremely restrictive and inhibitive to the private sector, which can make such a valuable contribution to the provision of transport in rural areas?
§ Mr. Michael RobertsI believe that the local authorities, the Post Office and the bus companies are well aware of the potential for varied and flexible forms of transport in Wales. My Department will continue to provide all the advice and support it can when new services are being planned.