HL Deb 03 December 1981 vol 425 cc1195-6WA
Lord Underhill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What has been the effect of the trial area set up in the county of Norfolk in accordance with the provisions of the Transport Act 1980, including the number of new bus operators and new bus services which have been introduced.

The Earl of Avon

Since the Norfolk Trial Area came into operation last April, no bus operators new to stage carriage have set up business in the area. The existing pattern of bus provision by public sector and private operators has remained broadly steady. There has been a number of minor changes in services with one new service started and withdrawn after a trial period and two services instituted to replace those withdrawn by other operators. These changes have been able to go ahead without going through the detailed procedures formerly necessary under road service licensing.