HC Deb 28 February 1989 vol 148 c116W
Miss Widdecombe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the rate of grant for rural bus services in 1989–90.

Mr. Portillo

Rural bus grant will be paid at the rate of 1p per eligible bus mile.

Miss Widdecombe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he is taking to encourage the provision of transport facilities in rural areas not well served by public transport.

Mr. Portillo

The Rural Development Commission is provided with £1 million a year from the Department of Transport to encourage new transport facilities in rural areas inadequately served by public transport. To date 194 grants, totalling £1.8 million, have been made. Funds are still available to support worthwhile projects.

To assist that process the Rural Development Commission and the National Advisory Unit have jointly produced a new booklet to promote new approaches to the transport needs of rural communities. The booklet describes the scope for encouraging more flexible commercial services as well as self-help options, such as community buses and social car schemes as well as other solutions. The booklet points the way to sources of advice and financial incentives available. It should prove a valuable guide to the development of transport facilities for rural communities. A copy of the booklet entitled "Promoting Transport for Rural Communities" has been placed in the Library.