§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to amend the Competition Act 1998 to facilitate arrangements between bus companies, with particular reference to rural areas. [18176]
§ Ms KeebleNaturally, we wish to encourage joint ticketing schemes between operators, aimed at making life easier for bus users in rural areas and elsewhere. This is an important component in delivering the Government's integrated transport policy and achieving our target of increasing bus patronage by 10 per cent. over the period of the 10 year plan.
Any proposal to amend existing competition legislation would be a matter for my right hon. friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The Director General of Fair Trading has made a block exemption Order exempting, among other things, multi-operator ticketing schemes. I understand that the Director General of Fair Trading intends to consult shortly on a revised guideline on the terms of the block exemption.