§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Transport Group about the effect on its operations of the creation of passenger transport authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellBefore the Greater Glasgow passenger transport area was designated, representations made by the Scottish Transport Group were carefully considered and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Development held discussions with the chairman and his board.
300WMy hon. Friend has reminded the group, inter alia, that any changes in the pattern of bus services operated by the group in the Greater Glasgow area which might be proposed by the passenger transport executive could be introduced only by agreement, including provision for financial compensation; that there is no proposal to terminate the responsibilities of the Scottish Traffic Commissioners in the area; and that my decision to designate the Greater Glasgow passenger transport area had been taken in the best interests of the travelling public in the conurbation.
I do not consider that any other areas in Scotland are appropriate for designation as passenger transport areas.