§ 17. Mr. Parrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy concerning subsidy to public transport in rural areas.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe Government broadly endorse the present overall level of subsidy paid in shire counties 61W to bus operations, about £96 million in 1984–85. They propose, under the provisions of the Transport Bill, to make in addition transitional grants to bus operators in rural areas, some £20 million the first year, and to provide a £1 million annual grant to the Development Commission to help encourage innovative forms of transport in rural areas.