§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many rural bus services are now being subsidised by local authorities in Wales; what is the total cost involved; and what part of this is borne by the Government.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThere are at present about 170 but services operating in rural areas of Wales which local authorities are subsidising or likely to subsidise at the rate of £250,000–£300,000 a year.
I am empowered to make a direct contribution of 50 per cent. under Section 34 of the Transport Act 1968; the balance qualifies for the resources element of rate support grant.