§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Wales if, in view of the prospective withdrawal of services by the Crosvilles Bus Company Limited, he will take steps without delay to convene a meeting between Crosvilles, the Transport Users' Consultative Council for Wales and affected local authorities preparatory to seeking powers to enable public bus services in North Wales to be maintained.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasPowers already exist in Section 34 of the Transport Act, 1968, to enable rural bus services to be maintained. The initiative is with local authorities and I am empowered to contribute half of any grants they make to bus operators. My Department has issued a code of guidance on the matter and my officials are available to advise the parties concerned. Some meetings have already taken place. The Transport Users' Consultative Committee has no locus in road passenger transport matters.