§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to require local authorities to divest their interests in bus companies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is our policy that all the remaining local authority-owned bus companies should be transferred to the private sector. We have been encouraging their voluntary sale. I am pleased that 28, including most440W recently Greater Manchester Buses, have already been sold. Measures to require the sale of local authority bus companies will be introduced when a suitable legislative opportunity occurs.