§ Mr. DoverTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the effects of bus deregulation in the last ten years. [2833]
§ Mr. NorrisBus deregulation continues to be a great success. Recent statistics confirm the continuing trend of more operators running more bus miles at lower cost and involving significantly less public subsidy than previously. In addition, the long term decline in bus patronage appears to have begun to flatten out.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what were the costs involved in preparing the cost-benefit assessment contained in the explanatory memorandum for the Deregulation (Parking Equipment) Order 1995; [2880]
(2) what is the estimated annual saving to business from the Deregulation (Parking Equipment) Order 1995. [2882]
§ Mr. WattsThe assessment of benefits to business and administrative cost savings was developed in the course of consultation. The cost of preparing this assessment cannot be identified separately.
The order will bring savings in costs and other benefits to business as a result of reduced delay in introducing new equipment and the removal of a disincentive to innovation. However, it has not been possible to quantify these benefits.