HC Deb 24 May 1999 vol 332 cc9-10W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will make a decision on London Transport's proposals for changes in their byelaws concerning busking. [85319]

Ms Glenda Jackson

London Regional Transport and the train operating companies are in the process of making new byelaws. The majority of operators have submitted new byelaws to the Secretary of State. Once those from the remaining companies are received, the Secretary of State will consider all the representations from affected persons made in connection with the byelaws. In due course he will make a decision to approve, modify or refuse the byelaws.

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to consult buskers on the proposed London Transport byelaw changes relating to busking; and if he will make a statement. [85321]

Ms Glenda Jackson

There are no provisions in the legislation requiring the Secretary of State to consult interested parties before he makes his decision to approve, modify or refuse London Regional Transport's new byelaws. This was an issue for London Regional Transport to consider before they made their new byelaws. London Regional Transport were required to advertise the byelaws and invite persons affected to make representation to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State will consider any representations, including those from buskers, before he makes his decision.

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria London Transport intends to apply when giving permission for individuals to busk on London Underground. [85320]

Ms Glenda Jackson

London Regional Transport have submitted new byelaws to the Secretary of State for his approval which would allow them to give written permission to buskers. The criteria to be applied would be a matter for London Regional Transport.