§ 15. Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make funds available specifically to ensure that London Transport services which lie outside the Greater London Council area are not subjected to closure or reductions in service as a result of economies made by the Greater London Council following the judgment of the House of Lords.
§ Mr. EyreIt is for the county councils in whose areas the services operate to decide whether to provide financial support for them. My right hon. Friend has told the GLC to prepare plans for 1983 on the assumption of a level of subsidy similar to that reflected in the transport supplementary grant settlement this year. I see no need, therefore, for the draconian economies and massive closures or reductions in services put about in alarmist GLC propaganda.
39. Mr. ThomasCox asked the Secretary of State for Transport when he is due to hold his meeting with the chairman of the Greater London Council transport committee to discuss future Government help to Greater London Council transport services.
§ Mr. David HowellI have had several meetings with both members and officials of the GLC to discuss this issue and am always ready for future meetings. Meanwhile, I am awaiting the plan I have asked the GLC to prepare urgently, taking as a guideline the level of resources indicated in my allocation of TSG to London this year.