§ Mr. Simon Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport what would be the percentage increase in bus fares required in each of the six metropolitan county council areas if the local authority were to reduce its actual level of subsidy to local bus services to the level of their grant related expenditure assessment for this purpose.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe percentage increase in fares that would be required to achieve any particular level of subsidy to local bus services depends on the progress made in improving efficiency and on the level of service provided. The guidance that I have given to authorities on the maximum levels of subsidy that would be appropriate for 1984–85 recognises that there are limits to the economies that authorities will be able to achieve within the year.