§ Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he is satisfied with the operation of the Transport Act 1980.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe are very pleased with the results so far. The Act provided for the transfer to the private sector of the National Freight Company Ltd. and my right hon. Friend informed the House recently of a proposal, which has been welcomed by the Government, from a group of the company senior managers for a consortium of managers and employees to purchase the company.
The bus licensing reforms have led to a dramatic growth in express coach services. For the first time in 50 years passengers have a real choice of services, and fares on major routes have been halved. New commuter coach services and the removal of the remaining car-sharing restrictions have increased choice for travel to work. Bus operators, local authorities and voluntary organisations are all steadily taking up the opportunities offered by the Act to improve local services. Bureaucracy has been considerably reduced. The public is undoubtedly already getting a better deal because of the 1980 Act though it will be some years before the full effects of the improved climate for public transport will be appreciated.