§ 32. Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a further statement on the effect of deregulation on the quality of public road transport.
§ Mr. David MitchellDeregulation continues to have a beneficial effect on road passenger transport. Bus mileage has increased; there is competition and innovation in many areas of the country; the number of operators has gone up and services are more closely geared to passengers' needs; costs have been reduced and local authorities have made substantial savings in revenue support for subsidised services.