§ Finally, I welcome the emphasis in the report on the need for more systematic forward planning on the basis of annual 3-year operational plans (recommendation 41). Under the Transport Bill which I introduced this Session, London Transport and the passenger transport executives will be required to produce such plans, and I hope that other operators too will give careful consideration to the commission's recommendation. I for my part have made clear, as the report notes, that I shall take account of 3 year agreements between operators and local authorities under section 3 of the Transport Act 1978 in deciding what level of expenditure to accept for the purposes of transport supplementary grant.
§ I propose to make a further statement in the summer on progress made by each of the undertakings in implementing the commission's recommendations. If any recommendation has not by then been acted upon, I shall look to the undertakings concerned to produce a convincing justification.