Local Transport Bill [HL]

moved Amendment No. 23: 23: Clause 18, page 17, line 20, leave out subsection (2) The noble Lord said: I am uncertain that quality contracts are the right approach for local transport authorities to adopt. It is all too easy to forget the problems with the regulated market and to assert that the London model provides a paradigm applicable—or, indeed, affordable—in all areas. The amendment seeks to remove revised proportionality criteria when setting up a quality contract, leaving the original with no other practical way for criteria to apply. It should be borne in mind that there are currently no quality contracts anywhere in the country. The inference is that the nature of the scheme and the interim period before a functioning scheme can operate are not sufficiently attractive prospects for local authorities. Since there is currently no precedent, I contend that the one factor precluding the uptake of quality contracts is the legal uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the scheme. The Bill goes some way to streamlining the appeals process, but I am afraid that the time and resources required will remain an insurmountable barrier. I have much confidence in the quality partnership approach, done properly and, with respect to both sides—the consideration we have been talking about—collaboration can produce excellent results. Can the Minister provide evidence to demonstrate the superior benefits of quality contracts over and above quality partnerships? After all, that is one of our aims. An additional reason for removing this subsection is the ambiguity of some terms. Further to the comment of the noble Lord, Lord Bradshaw, at Second Reading, what, exactly, constitutes an economic, efficient and effective contribution to local transport policy? Furthermore, the lack of mention of financial compensation is likely to aggrieve bus operators. There is an argument that the loss of assets such as buses and depots without compensation is likely to cause operators to be opposed to a scheme from the outset. It should be remembered that not all the assets will necessarily be transportable. Urban vehicles such as articulated and double-decker buses would not be suitable for redeployment in a rural area. We therefore oppose the revised criteria for quality contracts. I beg to move.