§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding his decision to shut down the Transport and Road Research Laboratory database on bus services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloNone. The database has served a useful purpose in providing speedy information during the first 18 months of deregulation but it would be unduly costly to continue. The Department receives regular statistical returns from bus operators which enable it to monitor longer term changes in the bus industry. TRRL continues to conduct studies into specific aspects of deregulation.
§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the cost of the Transport and Road Research Laboratory database on bus services in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. PortilloWork on the database began towards the end of the financial year 1985–86. The costs are as follows:
£ 1985–86 50,000 1986–87 250,000 1987–88 250,000 1988–89 150,000
§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had regarding the possibility of saving the Transport and Road Research Laboratory database on bus services.
§ Mr. PortilloNone. The database is not to be extended but it will be retained as a source of information for TRRL's studies on deregulation and to deal with requests for information. In addition, the database is to be published in April and will be available, on tapes, for research purposes.