§ 32. Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to improve access to public transport in rural parts of Derbyshire. [68295]
§ Dr. ReidWe have already allocated just over £1.5 million for improved bus services in rural Derbyshire as part of the additional funding for rural transport of £50 million announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor in his last budget. Over half of Derbyshire's allocation will be used to fund the Southern Derbyshire Rural Access Initiative, a scheme aimed at improving transport links to help combat social exclusion in rural areas. There will be further allocations in future financial years. In addition, £600,000 has been allocated to Derbyshire for rural and non-package minor works in the local transport capital settlement for 1999–2000.