asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to make their decision on the appeals lodged by bus operators about the new free concessionary fares arrangements introduced on 1 April.[HL7260]

The Secretary of State will determine the appeals in due course.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their assessment of the likely impact of recent competitive developments regarding bus services in King's Lynn on the long-term interests of passengers.[HL7288]

The Government have made no assessment of the services available in King’s Lynn. As the noble Lord is aware, local bus services, in the majority of cases, are provided by commercial operators. On-road competition between services can lead to a better standard of service for all, both in the short and longer term. Any questions of anti-competitive practices by operators are a matter for the Office of Fair Trading.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made an assessment of the adequacy of incentives to encourage persons under 21 to use bus services.[HL7289]

None. Many bus operators offer reduced fares for young people and local authorities can offer concessionary bus travel to any individual or group. There are no plans at present to offer additional incentives.