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Minibus boom in official
Page 8
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• Bus deregulation has led to a minibus boom in most of Britain's town and cities, transport minister David Mitchell told MPs this week.
Mitchell said that 40 places were served by minibuses before deregulation — but by the end of last year an extra 350 towns and cities had minibus services, and the number of vehicles had shot up to 5,700.
Mitchell rejected claims by Labour spokesman Tony Lloyd that the boom in minibuses was over and that the industry was reverting to double-deckers.
Meanwhile, junior transport minister Peter Bottornley has condemned Europen Community plans to impose tighter control on drivers of minibuses with more than nine seats, which include an extra test and higher medical standards.
The Government will press the Community to retain existing arrangements for these vehicles, says Bottomley.