asked the Secretary of State for Transport what contracts are in course of negotiation between London Regional Transport and United Transport International; what is his policy towards the participation in contracted-out transport services of firms operating similar services in South Africa; and if he will make a statement.

Contracts involving London Regional Transport arc matters for the parties concerned. The international affiliations of those seeking contracts from LRT is not a material consideration in the award of such contracts.I understand that United Transport International operates bus companies widely in several countries in Africa, including South Africa and Zimbabwe.