HC Deb 19 May 1986 vol 98 cc21-2W
13. Mr. Park

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has evidence of the effects on bus fares of deregulation of bus services.

Mr. Ridley

Deregulation will reduce costs of operation; the savings will generally be passed to the passenger in shire counties through lower fares and to ratepayers in the metropolitan counties through lower rates.

15. Mr. Terry Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what evidence he has of changes in the quality of bus services as a result of deregulation.

Mr. David Mitchell

Deregulation does not take place until 26 October. Most of the services that operators will be contracted to supply with local authority subsidy have yet to be registered. In preparation for deregulation and competition we are already seeing improved services in some areas, especially with the introduction of high frequency minibuses.

24. Mr. Clelland

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussion he has had with local authorities concerning the implementation of the Transport Act 1985.

Mr. David Mitchell

My right hon. Friend and I have been encouraged by the level of bus service registrations and by the positve attitude of many local authorities with whom we have discussed the implementation of the Transport Act. About three quarters, rather more than I anticipated, of existing routes have been registered to operate without subsidy after deregulation on 26 October. The next stage is for county and district councils and PTEs to place contracts for the operation of further as yet unregistered routes and services which they are prepared to subsidise. People who live on these routes will have the certitude of services provided under a contract.

25. Mr. Boyes

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with representatives of passenger transport authorities concerning the impact of the Transport Act 1985.

Mr. David Mitchell

My right hon. Friend and I have had a number of meetings with the new passenger transport authorities and discussed various aspects of their responsibilities.

29. Mr. Dixon

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied with the progress of implementations of the Transport Act 1985.

Mr. David Mitchell

Yes. The bus industry is making significant improvements in its efficiency, more operators are entering the market for local bus services, and new types of service have appeared. I am not satisfied with the unfounded claims that there will be major cuts in services, at a time when local authorities have only started, much less completed, the process of tendering for subsidised services.

32. Mr. Speller

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many taxi proprietors have registered local bus services under the Transport Act 1985; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

So far, about 40 taxi proprietors have registered services, and I expect that many others will submit tenders for subsidised services. This is a welcome start in providing better and more flexible services for the travelling public.