National Bus Company

HC Deb 06 November 1981 vol 12 cc5-6W

Mr. Needham

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to involve the private sector in the National Bus Company.

Mr. David Howell

The Government will be promoting legislation to provide appropriate enabling powers to permit the introduction of private capital into the National Bus Company. Opportunities for involving the private sector are being examined in relation to the expansion of the market for express coach travel, following the removal of licensing restrictions by the Transport Act 1980; and to the potential for developing and improving passenger facilities at certain of the Company's properties. The Government intend to work closely with the National Bus Company in examining the opportunities these new powers will create.