§ 25. Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to review the impact of bus deregulation. [18017]
§ Mr. NorrisBus deregulation outside London has meant more bus operators running more bus miles at lower cost than previously, with new buses on many routes, and with greatly reduced public subsidy. The bus working group, which I chair and on which are represented bus operators, local authorities and bus users, has been reviewing the scope for further enhancement of the role of buses in meeting public transport needs, within the deregulated framework. I announced its initial conclusions and a further programme of work on 8 January.