§ Dr. MarekTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many inquiries from prospective operators have been received in respect of grants from the rural transport development fund; how many applications have been made, how many grants have been given; and of what amounts.
§ Dr. David MitchellSince the fund was set up in 1986 the Development Commission, which administers it on behalf of the Department of Transport, has received 794 inquiries and 187 applications. A total of 110 grants have been approved, of which 95 have been paid so far. The 701W average grant approved for 81 scheduled services, mainly by minibuses and taxis, is about £8,500. Additionally, 18 county transport advisers have been appointed with help from the fund at an average grant of £6,250 pa for up to three years, and 11 other projects, such as publicity and surveys, have been approved at an average of £4,000. The commission has made grants of £650,000 so far, but has a total commitment of over £1 million.