§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he is taking to improve bus services in(a) urban and (b) rural areas, with particular reference to Flintshire. [66410]
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§ Mr. HainFor 1999–2000, I am making £5 million available to local authorities to support local bus services, of which at least £3 million must be spent on rural services with the remainder for urban services. This grant is in addition to the provision which local authorities make in their own budgets for subsidised services. All authorities in Wales, including Flintshire, will receive a share of this money. I am currently consulting on the precise method of allocating funds to authorities, and will announce the individual allocations shortly.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he proposes to help senior citizens to use buses; and if he will make a statement. [66419]
§ Mr. HainFrom April, I expect all local authorities in Wales to be operating concessionary travel schemes for pensioners which at least meet the Government's proposed minimum standard of a maximum of £5 for a bus pass and a minimum discount of 50 per cent. on bus fares. In addition, I have announced that we intend to provide free concessionary bus travel for pensioners over the next two to three years.