Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Minister of Transport when he expects next to meet the chairman of the Greater Manchester transport authority to discuss the level of the passenger subsidy to be paid in future years to the authority.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIn determining the allocation of transport supplementary grant to each county we must take a view about the proposed level of support for local public transport, but it is for each county council to decide how much subsidy is given in the light of local circumstances and all the resources available to them. If my right hon. Friend is able to arrange a meeting with the chairman, therefore, it will not be possible or appropriate to seek to settle the level of passenger subsidy at such a meeting.