§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Transport what proposals she has for the continuation of the financing of unremunerative rural bus services in areas outside conurbations in her proposed passenger transport authorities; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe financing of bus services will remain a matter for individual operators but my right hon. Friend proposes that local authorities, both304W within and outside passenger transport authority areas, should be empowered to subsidise particular uneconomic bus services which are provided for the benefit of residents of rural areas. She also intends to take powers to meet 50 per cent. of the costs incurred by local authorities in giving such financial assistance.