Local Transport Bill [HL]

moved Amendment No. 60A: 60A: Clause 40, page 34, line 42, at end insert— ““(d) agreements between local bus operators for the benefit of local passengers where there is no local authority involved.”” The noble Earl said: I shall be brief, but I should be interested to know the answer to my question. There is an unnecessary and unhelpful conflict between integrated transport and competition policy. The amendment tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Berkeley, would deal with everyday agreements between bus operators ““for the benefit of local passengers””. That strikes me as sensible, but there is fear among bus operators that any discussion about anything is liable to get them reported to the competition authorities. On that basis, I beg to move.