§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to guarantee the provision of public transport to rural areas following petrol price increases.
§ Mr. NorrisThe provision of bus services is primarily a matter for bus operators commercially and for local authorities who have powers to subsidise the running of additional services where they see a need which is not being met commercially. In addition, the rural transport development fund, which is run by the Rural Development Commission in England with funds from the Department of Transport, is available to assist with the provision of innovative rural transport services, including village community buses and post buses. Over 360 new projects have been funded and resources have been increased in the past two years to encourage further schemes. The Scottish and Welsh Offices run similar grant schemes.