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Local Transport Bill [Lords]

That may well be the case, but it may also be due to the fact that Conservative Members have a long and undistinguished record of being uninterested in bus services. The fundamental point made by the right hon. Member for East Yorkshire about the Opposition's right to oppose is clearly right, and I do not blame the Conservatives for that. What raised eyebrows and prompted comments from Labour Members were the terms in which the hon. Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs. Villiers) opposed the Bill. According to the amendment, the Conservatives oppose it"““because it encourages the introduction of Quality Contract schemes to reregulate bus networks””." Surprisingly, however, the hon. Lady proceeded to say how jolly good what are, in effect, compulsory quality contracts in London were.