HC Deb 22 February 1988 vol 128 cc67-8W
11. Mr. Harry Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has had any discussions with EEC Transport Ministers concerning the harmonisation of public transport subsidies.

Mr. Channon

No.

21. Mr. Holland

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy towards harmonising public transport subsidy levels across the EEC by 1992.

Mr. Channon

There is already a degree of harmonisation in the form of EEC directives on public service obligations and the granting of state aids for transport by rail, road and inland waterways. I see no need for further harmonisation in these areas.

28. Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to increase the level of subsidy to public transport in major cities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Mitchell

No. The objective of this Government has been to achieve a better balance between the interests of those who benefit from public transport subsidy and the ratepayers and taxpayers who must pay for it. As a result of our policies, annual revenue support for local bus and rail services in the English metropolitan areas has been reduced by about £85 million since 1985–86. This represents a considerable saving to both ratepayers and taxpayers, without any diminution in the overall level of service.

39. Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has about the subsidy levels to public transport in each capital city of each member state of the EEC, expressed as a percentage of total revenue.

Mr. David Mitchell

None, except for London, in which connection I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Cohen) on 18 January at column528.