§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received following deregulation of the buses.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Transport (Mr. David Mitchell)As might be expected with such a major change, I have received a diversity of representations.
§ Mr. PikeDoes the Minister accept that, far from deregulation causing just a few initial problems, many people have suffered from a deterioration in the services available to them? When will he take action to do something about that? Does he accept that there has been a deterioration in employees' working conditions, in addition to the many redundancies?
§ Mr. MitchellDeregulation has been in operation for just over one month. Unfortunately, in some bus companies it has shown up a lower standard of preparation than in others. However, over much of the country it is proceeding very well. There are gainers and losers in deregulation. The losers will complain, but very rarely will the gainers come out and say that they are gainers.
§ Mrs. Kellett-BowmanIs my hon. Friend aware that many of the problems that arose in Lancashire were caused by the incompetence of the Labour-controlled education authority? It would be much appreciated if the pupils from Kirkland Church of England school could be assisted by the provision of a socially necessary bus to take them to school, because they have to cross the A6. Will the Lancashire county council kindly co-operate?
§ Mr. MitchellThose matters are entirely within the competence of Lancashire county council. It has saved over £5 million by deregulation. It has enough money to bathe in when it comes to providing additional services.