§ 13. Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for Transport how it is intended that the proposed appointed regional transport authority for London should be funded; and if it will have powers to levy rates.
§ Mrs. ChalkerGrants to London regional transport will be paid direct by the Secretary of State. Like those elsewhere, London's ratepayers will need to make some contribution to the cost of their local transport services, and possible mechanisms for this are currently being discussed with local authorities.
§ Mr. DobsonWill the Minister confirm that the Government, who have been dedicated to removing quangos from the British system, are now contemplating establishing an unelected quango that will charge rates to London ratepayers who will have no redress against that body?
§ Mrs. ChalkerWe have an elected Government with more than 80 elected Members of Parliament from the Greater London area. London regional transport will be a management body that will properly manage the way in which the transport provision for this great city should be organised. Back-Bench Members of Parliament will leave us in no doubt about their views on the financing of London regional transport.