§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to introduce legislation to amend section 36 of the Transport Act 1985; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. David MitchellWe have no such plans. Where London Regional Transport proposes to provide, or secure the provision of, a new London bus service or vary an existing one it is required by the Transport Act 1985 to consult the police, the local authorities affected, the London Regional Passengers' Committee, and any other person it thinks fit. I am satisfied that the consultation arrangements adopted in practice work satisfactorily.
§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received any representations from (1) any community health councils or;
(2) any body representing such councils concerning the amendment of the consultation obligations contained in section 36 of the Transport Act 1985;
(3) whether he had received any representations from (a) any districts health authorities or (b) any body representing such authorities concerning the amendments to the consultation obligation contained in section 36 of the Transport Act 1985.
§ Mr. David MitchellI have received no such representations directly. Two of my hon. Friends have passed to me representations from Bexley health authority that there should be a statutory requirement for London Regional Transport to consult district health authorities and community health councils regarding proposals to alter local bus services.