HC Deb 08 April 1998 vol 310 cc311-2W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much the Government intend to spend on improving public transport facilities in rural areas of Wales during the next year. [37371]

Mr. Hain

Local authorities have powers to promote public transport using the resources allocated to them. The level of support, which is a matter for local authorities, is currently running at around £18 million per annum, much of which will benefit rural areas. In addition, the Government will continue to support the provision of passenger rail services in rural areas. They have also set a budget for 1998–99 of £125,000 for the Rural Transport Innovation Grant scheme, and some £2.5 million will be made available for improved rural transport as part of the rural transport package announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how he proposes to improve rural transport services; and if he will make a statement. [38128]

Mr. Hain

The Government are developing an integrated transport policy which will reflect our election Manifesto commitment to protect transport services in rural areas. The policy will be set out in a UK White Paper to be published later in the spring, together with a complementary transport policy statement for Wales. In line with the development of this policy, an additional £2.5 million is to be made available in 1998–99 for improved rural transport services in Wales, as part of the rural transport package announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget statement of 17 March.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he has taken to encourage the provision of bus services in rural Wales, with particular reference to Flintshire; and if he will make a statement. [38460]

Mr. Hain

Local authorities have the powers to subsidise socially necessary bus services out of the resources allocated to them. In addition, some £2.25 million will be made available in 1998–99 to improve rural bus services in Wales, including Flintshire, as part of the Bus Partnership Fund announced in the Budget by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.