HC Deb 07 April 1982 vol 21 cc936-7
5. Mr. David Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he remains satisfied with the working of the provisions relating to bus operators under the Transport Act 1980.

The Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Reginald Eyre)

Yes, Sir. An object was to cut bureaucracy and remove barriers to the changes needed. Patronage of public transport had been declining and costs rising for a quarter of a century. The Act is giving the travelling public a better deal.

Mr. Marshall

Will the Minister give specific examples of new services in rural areas? Has he obtained a report from the traffic commissioners on the ratio of new services in rural areas to closures caused by the 1980 Act?

Mr. Eyre

We work continuously and closely with all the bodies concerned with the interests of rural dwellers, and they welcome the measures that we have taken, for example, on car-sharing freedom. In a number of the trial areas, interesting proposals are coming forward which I believe will yield considerable benefit.

Mr. McQuarrie

I fully accept what my hon. Friend has said about the advantages of the 1980 Act, but is he aware that that message has, unfortunately, not got across to the public and to minibus operators? Will he try to get the message across to those who could operate minibus services in rural areas that they can now do that, as there is an inadequacy of minibus and general services in rural areas?

Mr. Eyre

I am glad that my hon. Friend acknowledges the advantages to be obtained under the Act. I shall certainly do everything possible to draw extra attention to the proposals of the Act.

Mr. Booth

When will the Minister acknowledge that massive closures of bus services, especially in rural areas, have resulted from the 1980 Act? Will he publish a report from the traffic commissioners showing the number of operators who have withdrawn services for which road service licences have been issued, and contrast that with the miserably inadequate number of additional services that have resulted from the Act?

Mr. Eyre

Adjustments are taking place, but new proposals are coming forward to deal with problem areas. I am pleased at the way in which bus operators, local authorities and voluntary organisations are meeting the needs of the travelling public more cost-effectively.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

Is the Minister aware that, as a result of the appalling 1980 Act, five rural routes in my constituency have been lost? Will he undertake an inquiry into the number of cowboy operators under the 1980 Act who hire non-union labour?

Mr. McQuarrie

Ah!

Mr. Campbell-Savours

Will he also find out by how much they undercut the national rates agreed in the transport industry?

Mr. Eyre

Despite the hon. Gentleman's remarks, competition will bring better services and reduction in fares in those areas.

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