asked the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received from metropolitan counties on his White Paper "Buses."

I have received representions from six metropolitan county councils, the passenger transport executives, a number of metropolitan district councils and from numerous individuals in the metropolitan areas. The content of the representations has been varied but in general has favoured continuation of the existing local monopolies, which are advantageous to bus operators rather than passengers, who will benefit from the Government's policy of fair competition.