§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the decision of the north-west traffic commissioner that duplicate bus services may only be run when passenger traffic demands; and if he will make a statement in the light of his policy that control over the quantity of buses should he removed.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe traffic commissioner for the north-western traffic area has received a letter from the general manager of Merseybus on this subject. The Transport Act 1985 requires services to be run in accordance with the particulars registered in advance with the traffic commissioners. The guidance given by the north-western traffic commissioner is consistent with that purpose and with the terms of the Public Service Vehicles (Registration of Local Services) Regulations 1986. The whole system would be undermined if operators were at liberty to run services without regard to the timetables which they provided on registration.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many bus routes running (a) wholly and (b) in part outside the Greater London area are currently operated by London Buses Ltd.
§ Mr. David Mitchell(a) Two. (b) Thirty-five.