HC Deb 28 November 1997 vol 301 cc691-2W
Mr. Stringer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentages of bus passenger miles are provided by municipal bus companies in the public sector; and if he will list the relevant companies. [18181]

Ms. Glenda Jackson

The most recent data available for bus miles operated and passenger journeys made on services provided by municipal bus companies in the public sector are for 1996–97. Approximately 5 per cent. of bus miles and 7 per cent. of passenger journeys were attributed to the services of municipal bus companies in Great Britain. The companies are listed below:

  • Blackburn Borough Transport Ltd.
  • Blackpool Transport Services Ltd.
  • Bournemouth Transport Ltd.
  • Cardiff City Transport Services Ltd.
  • Chester City Transport Ltd.
  • Eastbourne Buses Ltd.
  • Halton Borough Transport Ltd.
  • Ipswich Buses Ltd.
  • Islwyn Borough Transport Ltd.
  • Lothian Regional Transport plc.
  • Newport Transport Ltd.
  • Nottingham City Transport Ltd.
  • Plymouth City Bus Ltd.
  • Reading Transport Ltd.
  • Rossendale Transport Ltd.
  • Thamesdown Transport Ltd.
  • Warrington Borough Transport Ltd.

Mr. Stringer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the public subsidy to local bus services(a) for London, (b) English metropolitan areas, (c) English shire counties and (d) England separately identifying the (i) concessionary fare subsidy and (ii) fuel duty rebate. [18182]

Ms Glenda Jackson

The figures requested, for the most recent year, 1996–97, are shown in the table below. These comprise public transport support, concessionary fare reimbursement and fuel duty rebate. Data on fuel duty rebate are recorded for London and England but a more detailed geographic breakdown by English metropolitan areas and English shire counties is not available.

Local bus services: public subsidy by area
(£ million)
1996–97 London1 English metropolitan areas English shire counties England
Public transport support 25 102 88 215
Concessionary fare reimbursement 106 177 102 385
Fuel duty rebate 29 161
All support 160 761
1 Support in London was internally funded by London Transport with no direct revenue support from central government.