§ 13. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's plans for support for public transport.
§ Mr. EyreOur plans provide for the continuation of substantial financial support for public transport.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes the Minister agree that the present problems of British Rail and the difficulties of public transport in Staffordshire, about which he has received several representations, including some from the county council, are a direct result of the low level of support that the Government have given to public transport as compared with the support that is given by many of our industrial competitors?
§ Mr. EyreThe hon. Gentleman misrepresents the case in Staffordshire. I am told that on revenue support that is accepted for transport supplementary grant, Staffordshire does better than average for non-metropolitan counties, per head of population. Staffordshire receives £3.08 per head of population whereas the average for the English shire counties is £2.51 per head. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will bear that in mind.
§ Mr. DorrellI welcome the Government's continuing support for public transport. Does my hon. Friend agree that we can justify that support to our constituents only if it provides the service that they require, rather than subsidising outdated working practices that jeopardise the public transport system?