HC Deb 20 February 1996 vol 272 cc108-9W
Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list subsidies made to Merseytravel for the 101 bus service over the last two years; if he will make a statement on the current running of the service; and if he will make a statement. [15776]

Mr. Norris

The 101 bus service is fully subsidised by Merseyside passenger transport executive—Merseytravel. Subsidy arrangements, service details and performance on the route are all matters for the PTE, but I understand that the service has recently been re-tendered following previous operating difficulties.

Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to visit Merseyside to discuss the subject of bus services with Merseytravel; and if he will make a statement. [15777]

Mr. Norris

I have no such plans at present. I will, however, be discussing bus issues, along with other transport matters, with the North West and Merseyside regional annual consultative committee on 4 March. I understand that Merseytravel will be represented at that meeting.

Mr. Parry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the adequacy of bus services in(a) Liverpool (b) Merseyside at the latest available date; and if he will make a statement. [15744]

Mr. Norris

The provision of bus services in Liverpool and Merseyside is entirely a matter for bus operators acting commercially or Merseyside PTE—Merseytravel—using its subsidy powers. I believe that bus travellers there, as in the rest of the country, have benefited from the trend of more operators running more bus miles at lower cost, with new buses on many routes, and significantly less public subsidy than previously.