§ 78. Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Transport how many local authority and private passenger omnibus undertakings had reported reduced passenger services at the latest convenient date; what were the reasons given; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SwinglerWe do not receive detailed reports of this nature. The112W passenger transport statistics published by the Department show that there has been a substantial fall over recent years in the numbers of passenger using the buses in both municipal and other bus undertakings. They also show a decline, but a much smaller one, in the number of vehicles miles run by buses. The principal reason for the reduction is no doubt the increasing use of private cars. My hon. Friend will be aware of the Government's comprehensive plans for strengthening public transport, for which we are legislating in the Transport Bill.