§ 31. Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the GLC and other local authorities on the Government's policy of phasing out subsidies to local authority public transport; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RodgersIt is not Government policy to phase out revenue support to local public transport. However, in recent weeks I have been in touch with the GLC and metropolitan counties concerning their proposed levels of transport expenditure in 1977–78. I refer my hon. Friend to what I said in the House on 12th November on the outcome of those discussions.
§ 32. Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the total cost to public funds of financial support for buses and railways in the financial years 1976–77 and 1977–78; and what were the comparable figures for 1970–71 and 1973–74.
§ Mr. William RodgersFollowing is the information:
with major interests. As the House knows, my aim is to work towards a White Paper in about May.