HC Deb 20 November 1984 vol 68 cc93-4W
Mr. Fatchett

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates have been made of capital requirements of the metropolitan districts for public transport purposes in the event that the metropolitan counties are abolished and the transport function becomes a district responsibility.

Mrs. Chalker

It is proposed that, following abolition, public transport will become the responsibility of a joint board representing all the districts of a metropolitan county. Subsequently any proposals from an individual district to take over responsibility for its own services will be considered on their merits and if the transfer were agreed appropriate financial and other adjustments would be made.

Mr. Fatchett

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has made any estimates of the effects of the withdrawing of support for rail transport in metropolitan areas should the metropolitan counties be abolished.

Mr. David Mitchell

Decisions on support for local passenger rail services in the metropolitan counties are the responsibility of the passenger transport authorities and their passenger transport executives. Under the Government's proposals for the abolition of the metropolitan county councils the passenger transport authorities will be differently constituted, but their powers to support passenger rail services under the Transport Act 1968 will continue.