§ 1. Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many bus passenger journeys outside London were made in (a) 1994–95 and (b) 1985–86.[561]
§ The Minister for Railways and Roads (Mr. John Watts)There were 3.25 billion passenger journeys on local bus services outside London in 1994–95. The comparable figure for 1985–86 was just under 4.5 billion.
§ Mr. HinchliffeDo not those figures disguise the serious problems that affect many bus users in rural areas? Will the Minister consider the position in Denby Dale, between Wakefield and Huddersfield? A key service—No. 234—has been withdrawn from Upper Denby, as a result of which local pensioners cannot cash their pensions and cannot get to the doctor. Will he also consider the representations that I have received from Denby Dale parish council about that and about the behaviour of the bus operators, which chase passengers and block competitors' buses? Are not those activities a direct consequence of the Government's policies? What does the Minister intend to do about the problems?
§ Mr. WattsIf certain socially necessary services cannot be run commercially, county councils or. in metropolitan areas, borough and district councils, have the power to provide those services by competitive tender. We propose to introduce legislation to give parish councils powers to secure local transport.