HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 cc447-8
17. Mr. Galloway

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to review the findings of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report into the supply of bus services in Glasgow and Central Scotland. [10042]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

FirstBus has requested a review of my predecessor's decision—which he announced on 24 January 1997, following the MMC's merger report—on its acquisition of SB Holdings Ltd. I have asked the Director General of Fair Trading for his advice on the request.

Mr. Galloway

I am glad to hear the Minister's answer. He should be aware of the widespread concern in the city of Glasgow about the cowboys from Stagecoach, who were assisted in every way by the previous Government to muscle in on a bus market that was already being well served by Strathclyde Buses—which has an excellent relationship with its large work force, with the city's users' groups and with the general public. Stagecoach is freely riding the range in Glasgow without the assistance of the provisions of the MMC report; therefore, arguments about competitiveness are no longer applicable.

Specifically, does the Minister accept that, because Stagecoach is already active in the city, the draconian demand that Strathclyde Buses divest itself of one of its Glasgow bus depots is unnecessary to foster competitiveness? Does he agree that the matter should be the subject of a very thorough review?

Mr. Griffiths

I shall certainly consider carefully FirstBus's request in the light of advice given to me by the Director General of Fair Trading.

Mr. Gray

When was the Minister last a fare-paying passenger on a bus?

Mr. Griffiths

Last weekend, when I paid 60p in Edinburgh.