§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what public transport authorities in Northern Ireland are in financial deficit; what is the total current debt; what plans he has to enable this debt to be discharged; and whether he has given any consideration to the encouragement of greater use of rail and bus services.
§ Mr. ConcannonAll the public transport companies in Northern Ireland with the exception of Northern Ireland Carriers received financial assistance in some form in 1974–75, the total subvention amounting to £7.8 million. The assistance given to City Bus and NI Railways Co. Ltd., included contributions towards revenue deficits.
The total debt of the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, which is the parent body of the public transport companies, stands at some £3.7 million. It is not considered necessary to take special steps to enable the Holding Company to discharge this debt.
The bus and railway companies are mindful of the importance of continuing their efforts to encourage the use of public transport.