To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have brought to the attention of the Competition Commission the provisions in the Local Transport Act 2008 concerning partnership operations between bus operators and local authorities. [HL5417]

The Office of Fair Trading is currently consulting on its proposal to refer the local bus market to the Competition Commission. If the Commission does undertake a detailed investigation of this sector, the Government will engage fully with the process. The Local Transport Act 2008 provides important policy context for any consideration of the local bus market and we would of course make this clear in any submissions to the Commission.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what approach they will take towards the proposal for a new European Union regulation on bus and coach passenger rights. [HL5418]

Negotiations on a proposed European Regulation on bus and coach passenger rights are ongoing. The Government are trying to ensure that the Regulation balances the needs of both passengers and operators. The Government have recently published on the Department for Transport’s website a response to our consultation on the proposed Regulation, which sets out the Government’s position in more detail. Copies are available in the Libraries of the House.