§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he last consulted the north-west traffic commissioners; what were the subjects of his consultations; and whether he discussed the sale of Crosville Motor Co. with any of the north-west commissioners before approving the sale by the National Bus Company of the company;
(2) what consultation procedures exist to enable him to establish from the traffic commissioners whether an applicant for the sale of National Bus Company assets is a fit and proper person; and how such procedures were followed in the case of ATL Holdings.
§ Mr. David MitchellThere is no formal procedure for the Department to consult the traffic commissioners on 453W these matters. As I explained in my answer to the hon. Member's similar question on 18 May at column 614 the National Bus Company took steps to satisfy itself about the suitability of the purchasers of Crosville Motor Services. Its inquiries included discussion with the traffic commissioner's office and inspection of the maintenance facilities. The results of these inquiries were taken fully into account before approval to the sale was given.