§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from local authorities about increasing the scope of de minimis agreements as a means of securing early and substantial improvements to rural bus services; and if he will make a statement. [49496]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonA number of representations have been received proposing an increase in the 'de minimis' exceptions from the tendering requirements for subsidised local bus services. We have been considering them against the background of the substantial new funding which we have made available for the improvement of rural bus services and expect to be bringing forward proposals shortly.