§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he proposes to take any new measures to improve public transport in rural areas.
§ Mr. AtkinsPublic transport in rural areas is mainly a matter for the transport operators. Since deregulation bus mileage outside London and the metropolitan areas has increased by some 21 per cent., with 83 per cent. being run commercially. Local authorities have powers to subsidise additional socially necessary services. In addition, the rural transport development fund receives up to £1 million a year from my Department to support the introduction of innovative services in rural areas.
Public inquiry finished Inspector's report received M6 Widening between junctions 20–21A May 1990 Awaited M20 Widening between junctions 5 and 8 (Maidstone bypass) March 1990 Awaited M65 Blackburn southern bypass March 1990 June 1990 A1 Tempsford grade separated junction December 1989 March 1990 A1 Dishforth-Leeming improvements—Phase 1 November 1989 March 1990 A3 Milford bypass April 1989 July 1989 A5 Little Brickhill bypass February 1990 May 1990 A5 Fazeley, Two Gates and Wilnecote bypass May 1990 Awaited A11 Besthorpe—Wymondham improvement June 1990 Awaited A12 Hackney Wick—M11 link January 1990 March 1990 A14 M1-A1 link road contracts 8/9 February 1990 Awaited A14 M1-A1 link road contracts 2/3/5 north February 1990 Awaited A16 Ludborough bypass April 1990 May 1990 A16 Spalding-Sutterton improvement June 1990 Awaited A17 Leadenham bypass January 1990 April 1990 A17 Wigtoft-Sutterton bypass February 1990 April 1990 A23 Handcross-Pease Pottage improvement May 1990 Awaited A27 Crossbush bypass January 1990 February 1990 A27 Westhampnett bypass February 1990 March 1990 A30 Oakhampton-Launceston May 1990 Awaited A31 Newbury bypass November 1988 March 1989 A40 Gypsy Circus junction November 1989 A40 improvement Joint inquiry August 1989
Western Circus junction A41 Aston Clinton bypass May 1990 Awaited A41/A421 Bicester bypass—Stage 2 November 1989 January 1990 A259 Guestling Thorn diversion April 1989 July 1989 A406 East of Silver Street—A1010 Joint inquiry February 1989 A406 Dysons Road-Hall Lane November 1988 A406 Regents Park Road junction February 1989 August 1989 A423 Southam bypass March 1990 May 1990 A428 Bedford Southern bypass May 1990 Awaited