§ 12. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from Newport borough council and Gwent county council on the deregulation of bus services.
§ Mr. David MitchellWe have received representations from Gwent county council and Newport borough council opposing various aspects of the proposals in the White Paper.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that the inadequate protection of pension benefits is a serious bone of contention? Does he agree that the Bill fails to provide the "no-worsening of protection" which employees and pensioners of local authority undertakings and the National Bus Company are entitled to expect?
§ Mr. MitchellI have already answered two similar questions. I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's difficulty, but I can give him the assurance that we have fully in mind the pension needs to which he refers.