§ Miss LestorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assurances were given to GM Buses and trade unions representing the work force of GM Buses about Government support for an employee buyout prior to 23 November.
§ Mr. FreemanIt has been made clear to the PTA, GM B and their work force that the Government are in favour of employee participation in companies, and would be happy to see an employee buy-out. We have also made it clear since June this year that we expect all new sales of public transport companies to be by open competition and that we expect bids for buy-outs to be put forward on this basis. This applies to Greater Manchester Buses, and the new smaller companies that are to be formed from it.