§ THE EARL OF KINNOULLasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are now able to announce the results of the review of the bus licensing system.
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONYes. The Government have concluded that substantial modifications are required. The main purpose will be to encourage the introduction of new types of service, while retaining necessary control over stage and express services. My right honourable friend the Minister for Transport Industries is particularly concerned to help people in rural areas where bus services are being reduced. He proposes to exempt from road service licensing, small vehicles, excursions and tours, works and school contract services, services supported by rural bus grant and those provided as a condition of consent to closure of a rail service. Power will be sought to exempt by order selected rural areas where licensing is no longer necessary, and to simplify the procedures for fares changes.
My right honourable friend will be circulating details of the proposed changes to the bus operators' associations, local authority associations and other interested bodies.
House adjourned at twenty-four minutes before midnight.