§ 11. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the local authorities and local authority associations which have protested about the Government's plans for the deregulation of bus services in Wales.
§ Mr. John Stradling ThomasRepresentations have been received on various aspects of the White Paper, "Buses", from more than 40 local authorities and local authority associations in Wales. With permission I shall circulate the full list in the Official Report.
§ Mr. HughesCan the Minister say who was in favour of the proposals? Is it not a serious accusation for experts in the transport section of the Association of District Councils to express doubts about the knowledge of the industry of those responsible for drawing up the White Paper? In view of all the public disquiet and the anxiety of pensioners, the disabled, women's institutes, and so on, not to mention local authorities, does the Minister agree that there must be more consultation before legislation is introduced?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasThere is, of course, consultation. Many of the respondents have expressed concern at various aspects of the Government's proposals. Any form of change is always met with a certain amount of concern, but not all authorities oppose deregulation. Powys county council, for example, is in favour, subject to certain safeguards.
§ Mr. Ray PowellWhy?
§ Mr. Stradling ThomasI am glad that the hon. Gentleman asked that question. It is because the consumer and the customer also come into this, and the Welsh Consumer Council has welcomed our proposals.
§ Following is the list.