HC Deb 18 April 1988 vol 131 c352W
16. Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with bus operators in metropolitan county areas.

Mr. David Mitchell

I met a delegation of public transport company managing directors from the metropolitan areas on 22 September 1987. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, also met representatives of the Bus and Coach Council on 22 February of this year. From time to time I meet various operators to keep myself informed as the benefits of deregulation unfold.

30. Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what change there has been in the number of passengers using bus services in the metropolitan counties following bus deregulation.

Mr. David Mitchell

In 1986–87, the latest date for which figures are available, bus patronage in the metropolitan areas outside London declined by 12 per cent. over the previous year.