§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on his policy regarding the recent increase in bus fares in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineBus fares are subject to statutory control by the Traffic Commissioners, who are independent authorities, subject to the rights of appeal to me from their decisions which can be exercised by local authorities and transport operators. I am informed that the Scottish Transport Group bus companies gave, as their main reason for seeking the increase recently granted to them, additional costs of the substantial wages settlements negotiated earlier this year, which included an element for acceptance of new schedules under bus drivers' hours legislation.