HC Deb 16 February 1998 vol 306 cc500-1W
Mr. Öpik

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much additional money he will make available to local authorities in 1998–99 to enable them to subsidise local bus services; and if he will make a statement. [28998]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The Welsh Office does not provide authorities with specific resources to subsidise bus services. Authorities have discretionary powers which— subject to available resources—enable them to subsidise local public transport services which they consider are essential to meet a social need.