§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what initiatives he has taken to encourage public-private partnerships between bus companies and local authorities. [52520]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe further development of bus Quality Partnerships between local authorities and operators is an important part of the proposals announced inNew Deal for transport. We will introduce legislation to put such partnerships on a firmer footing by giving them a statutory basis. They will also form part of the new local transport plans to be drawn up by local authorities as described in the White Paper.