§ Mr. Bradleyasked the Minister of Transport what progress is being made with preparations for implementing the new bus grant scheme provided for in the White Paper on Public Transport and Traffic, Command Paper No. 3481, and the Transport Bill.
§ Mr. MarshI have decided upon the main features of this scheme after full discussions held during recent months with the associations representative of bus manufacturers and operators. The scheme provides for standard specifications with which new buses ordered on and after 8th July this year should normally comply in order to obtain the 25 per cent. grant. New buses ordered before this date will also be eligible for the grant if they meet certain minimum design standards. In both cases the vehicles qualifying for grant will be those which first become available to operators on and after 1st September this year for use wholly or mainly on stage services.
272WIn order to assist both manufacturers and operators I am now circulating to those concerned advance guidance on the main conditions under which applications for grant would be considered, subject to the passing of the Transport Bill. But grant payments will, of course, need to await the passing of the Bill and the coming into force of the relevant provisions in it. A copy of the Ministry's circular letter and accompanying specifications has been placed in the Library.