§ Mr. Skinnerasked the Minister of Transport if he will refer the bus fare increases averaging 35 per cent., recently implemented by the East Midland Motor Services, to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineNo. Bus fares are subject to statutory control by the Traffic Commissioners as explained in my Answer on 8th July to the hon. Member for South Ayrshire. I am informed that the increase was designed to provide a 16.7 per cent. overall increase in the Company's gross revenue and that the Company gave as the main reason for that application the additional costs of the substantial wage settlements negotiated earlier this year.—[Vol. 803, c.65.]