§ Lord Bradshawasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to extend the Rural Bus Service Grant, the Rural Bus Service Challenge Fund and the Rural Transport Partnerships when the present schemes lapse. [HL4245]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonWe announced in February of this year that the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant scheme would continue at least at its current level until March 2004. In July the 10-Year Plan for Transport announced the extension of the scheme to include support for services in and around market towns. The plan also provides additional resources for rural transport which will enable the extension of the Rural Transport Partnership scheme to every rural county and will make possible further support for innovative schemes. Further details will be announced shortly.