§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what powers a local authority has to terminate a contract with a bus operator for transporting pupils from home to school if the service is deemed to be unsafe. [17876]
§ Ms KeebleThe Government attach the greatest importance to the safety of all bus passengers, including children, and try to ensure that the highest possible safety standards are maintained. There are various controls on bus operators aimed at ensuring that all their operations are safe. The powers to terminate a contract if a service is found to be unsafe will be determined by the terms and conditions contained in the contract with the bus operator.