§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to encourage public transport on the River Thames in London.
§ Mr. PortilloThe Government believe that riverbus services in London can contribute to the relief of road congestion and encourage the development of riverside areas in need of regeneration, particularly docklands. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has accordingly joined with me in offering to make a grant of up to £500,000 as part of a £2.5 million public/private sector initiative to promote and improve the service provided by Thamesline. The grant will be paid under section 17 of the Ministry of Transport Act 1919.