§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Transport what provisions will be made to enable the National Bus Company to meet the expected shortfall in spending on socially necessary routes even if the full initial £20 million transitional grant proposed in the White Paper on deregulation is allocated.
§ Mr. David MitchellRural bus grant will be only one of the sources of finance for the many operators of rural 379W services. This grant, up to £20 million in the first year, will be distributed direct to operators by the Department of Transport. It is in addition to the continuing, and substantial, sums of money paid by local authorities to maintain rural services. Under the Government's proposals authorities will be able to obtain better value for money through competitive tendering. The NBC will have full opportunity to participate in the tendering process.