HC Deb 10 March 1982 vol 19 c450W
39. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate and quantify the amount of subsidy required from central and local funds if the level of public transport is to be retained at broadly its present level.

Mr. Eyre

The Government's public expenditure plans up to 1984–85, published yesterday, allow for a total of over £1,300 million support for public transport next year. The amount of subsidy required to maintain any particular level of service will depend on a variety of factors including improvements in efficiency, the containment of costs and fares policies, as well as external factors such as economic growth, inflation and car ownership.