HC Deb 09 November 1987 vol 122 cc71-2W
15. Mr. Ted Garrett

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the operation of bus services since deregulation.

16. Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the operation of bus services since deregulation.

22. Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the operation of bus services since deregulation.

54. Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the effects of bus deregulation in urban areas.

Mr. David Mitchell

After some initial teething troubles when the policy was first implemented, representations have now declined to a trickle as operators have responded to the opportunities and the public have become accustomed to the new services.

47. Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the first year of deregulated public passenger transport.

Mr. David Mitchell

Deregulation has got off to a very good start. As we envisaged, competition has caused operators to reduce costs while maintaining, and in many cases improving, the level of services. There are more operators than a year ago, bus mileage is up, the level of subsidy has been reduced, and the industry is now in a much better position to face the future.

57. Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he intends to make a further statement about bus deregulation in London.

Mr. David Mitchell

I am currently discussing with the chairman new objectives for London Regional Transport for the next three years. I expect those objectives to include further reference to our policy of extending the benefits of deregulation to bus users in London.