§ Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give a general direction to the 263W National Bus Company for a deferment of any action directed to the withdrawal of unremunerative bus services until 31st December, 1971, so that local authorities may have sufficient time to examine what arrangements should be made for the provision of satisfactory public transport facilities, and in order to save expenditure of public money in paying subsidies.
§ Mr. Graham PageNo. The National Bus Company has a statutory duty to break even and in face of rising costs is having to review its unremunerative services. It has promised full consultations with local authorities, which are empowered to contribute towards the cost of rural services.