§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the effect on bus fares of the reduction in annual passenger transport subsidies from £134.7 million in 1975–76 to £60 million by 1978–79, as suggested in the Public Expenditure White Paper of February 1976.
§ Mr. MarksIf the possibility of offsetting cost savings and increases in fares arising from other changes in costs and revenue is left out of account, an average 593W increase in fares in real terms of around 15 per cent. over the period might result from the reduction in subsidies suggested in the Public Expenditure White Paper. But the movement of fares in particular places will depend on such factors as local changes in patronage and unit costs as well as on any changes in the distribution of subsidy between local authorities.