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Transport (North-West)

It is a great pleasure to take part in the debate, particularly following the contributions that have been made, including that from the hon. Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle), who ably introduced the debate and spoke with passion. I was intrigued by his innovative use of geography, as he somehow managed to put Chorley at the centre not only of Lancashire and the north-west, but of England, and probably, had we let him continue, the universe as well. There were some key points in his contribution that the Minister will need to focus on in his response, such as the possible extension of concessionary travel arrangements for pensioners. It is true that the Government have set up a system whereby local authorities receive funding, and that has caused all sorts of inadequacies. The hon. Member for Chorley will recognise, despite his correction of the hon. Member for Manchester, Withington (Mr. Leech), that the published figures in Lancashire show some big swings between local councils, and it is clear that that is happening in other parts of the country as well. The problem is about not only national underfunding, but council-to-council differentials.