§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many applications for grant have been received by local authorities in Wales from omnibus companies operating in rural areas; how many such applications have been granted; and what is the sum total of such grants paid to date.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI cannot say how many applications local authorities in182W Wales have received but I have received five applications from local authorities, granted one—to two local authorities acting jointly—and four are under consideration. No payments have yet been made.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many applications for grant have been received by local authorities in Cardiganshire from omnibus companies operating in rural areas; how many such applications have been granted; and what is the sum total of such grants paid to date.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI cannot say how many applications local authorities in Cardiganshire may have received, but I have authorised grant to Aberaeron Rural District Council—in Cardiganshire—acting jointly with Teifiside Rural District Council—in Carmarthenshire—to assist one rural bus service. Two applications from the Aberaeron Urban and Aberaeron Rural District Councils are being considered. No payments have yet been made.
§ Mr. Johnasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to bring together local authorities in Wales to discuss steps to preserve and improve rural bus services in Wales.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasMy Department will be glad to discuss with any local authority problems affecting rural bus services in its area.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied that all local authorities in Wales have the financial resources to enable them to bear the cost of grants payable to omnibus operators in rural areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasIt is for the local authorities themselves to decide the extent to which they are able to assist rural bus services in their areas. I am empowered to make a 50 per cent. contribution towards any grants they may make under Section 34 of the Transport Act, 1968.