HC Deb 15 January 1990 vol 165 c36W
13. Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received about rural transport.

Mr. Portillo

I have received very few recent representations about rural transport services. Bus mileage in country areas has increased since bus deregulation. The investment in British Rail's provincial sector is such that we shall shortly be in the position where four fifths of the rolling stock has been renewed.

14. Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the present state of rural transport.

Mr. Portillo

Bus mileage outside London and the metropolitan areas has increased by some 21 per cent. since bus deregulation, with some 83 per cent. run commercially. The investment in British Rail's provincial sector is such that we shall shortly be in the position where four fifths of the rolling stock has been renewed.