asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total subsidy provided by local authorities in Wales for bus services, in the financial year ended March, 1971.

It is not possible to give precise figures for the period referred to since claims made to my Department for reimbursement may straddle a financial year. The total sum so far paid by my Department to local authorities as subsidies for rural bus services is £68,500. As, however, further claims fall to be made the total subsidy must prove to be substantially higher.