§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what representations he has received about the availability of bus services over the Millennium period; [96539]
(2) what discussions he has had with transport providers about the availability of bus services over the Millennium period. [96540]
§ Mr. HillI have received very few representations about the availability of bus services. My officials are in touch with the Confederation of Passenger Transport about provision of services, and I understand that their members will be announcing their intended levels of80W Millennium services outside London in the middle of November. It would be for local authorities to decide whether they wish to supplement commercial provision of services with subsidised services.
The provision of bus services in London is the responsibility of London Transport Buses (LTB). I understand that LTB have formulated a strategy for the Millennium period, which they are discussing with bus operators. It is proposed that on both New Millennium Eve and New Millennium day bus services will broadly operate to Sunday service pattern across London.