§ 9. Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his bus deregulation policy and the effects it is having on Tredegar.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe Government's policy has ensured free and fair competition in a deregulated bus industry. Traffic congestion in Tredegar followed the closure of the bus station owned by the former National Welsh Omnibus Co. The problem has been alleviated by the local highway authority which is responsible for such matters.
§ Mr. SmithDoes the Minister accept that when bus privatisation was introduced it was accompanied by the promise that there would be a cheaper, more efficient and cleaner service? In Tredegar, however, the bus company has gone into receivership. Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that that has resulted in an inferior service and that there are major safety problems, especially for senior citizens? Buses continue to park in a busy shopping complex. Will the Minister show his commitment to the valley, and especially to Tredegar, by visiting the community to try to resolve the problem of the shopping centre, which has gone into receivership as well? Tredegar, which was once a proud town, is now a sad place to visit.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsMay I give a special welcome to the hon. Gentleman, who is not unknown to us as a Member of the European Parliament? He stands in the shadow of a great oak—his predecessor, Michael Foot. I am well aware of the situation in Tredegar, which has suffered from traffic congestion as a result of subsidence. I understand that Blaenau Gwent borough council has commissioned a report, which we shall consider. Traffic management is a matter for the local highway authority —in this instance, Gwent, which has taken steps to alleviate the problem. The former National Welsh Omnibus Co. was placed in receivership and the decision to close the local bus station was one entirely for the receiver.