Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Laurence Robertson and Norman Baker

Thursday 28th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Norman Baker]

First, the stories in the press throughout recent months have been suggesting that the bus service operators grant will be abolished, but they have clearly been completely off tack. Indeed, the cut to the grant has been less than the average for the Department, in recognition of the importance of bus services to local people. I come back to the point made by the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, which, after all, represents the bus industry and so, with due respect, perhaps knows more about buses than the hon. Gentleman might do. It has said that, in general, the reduction can be absorbed without fares having to rise; that is the view of the industry.

[Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)]

6. What plans he has for the future of the Swindon to Kemble rail line; and if he will make a statement.