David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (13:00): (266) My constituency question today is for the Minister for Small Business, and it relates to the tendering of metropolitan bus services, particularly in my electorate of Southern Metropolitan Region. I am aware of the impact this is likely to have on a number of providers of services in my region. Whilst the machinery of the bus tendering occurs through the Department of Transport and Planning, the Minister for Small Business has a responsibility to ensure that small businesses are treated fairly. I ask her: is she prepared to intervene and meet with a number of the bus operators from my Southern Metropolitan Region and ensure fairness in the process as it relates to the long-established bus routes and depots and the long-established arrangements that have been in place for these small businesses that provide ongoing transport services in my region?
Sitting suspended 1:01 pm until 2:07 pm.