§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he holds about the quality of bus services in greater Manchester; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisThe quality of bus services is primarily a matter for the commercial judgment of bus operators. The passenger transport executive is responsible for securing the provision of non-commercial services under subsidy. All local bus services in Greater Manchester are registered with the traffic commissioner for the north-west traffic area office, who has powers to act against bus operators who fail to run their services to their registered timetables. The commissioner will also act where buses fail to meet the Department's rigorously enforced safety standards.