HC Deb 07 February 1978 vol 943 c512W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Arundel (Mr. Marshall), Official Report, 16th December 1977, column 569, why no targets, in terms of return on net assets have been set for the National Bus Company; and if he will give details of any financial target set for the National Bus Company.

Mr. William Rodgers

It would not be appropriate to set such a target for a nationalised industry which requires significant grant finance. The National Bus Company has a statutory duty to break even, taking one year with another.