SHAMROCK BUSES

Early day motion 953A1, tabled 13 March 2002 by Elfyn Llwyd (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 4 members.

leave out from 'House' to end and add 'notes that the cost of school transport contracts in Rhondda Cynon Taff have increased annually by an average of only 2.3 per cent. over the last five years; further notes that the current cost per pupil for both primary and secondary school transport is substantially below the Welsh national average; notes that the recent contract extension has been confirmed by the District Auditor as completely compliant with the contract terms; notes that the details of the negotiations were conducted by officers of the council, and have been subject to appropriate and rigorous scrutiny by both the District Auditor and council members; further notes the content of a public statement issued by the District Auditor which states 'The Pontypridd Observer and Rhondda Leader (7/3/02) contained a number of references to a district audit report regarding the council's arrangement for managing its home to school transport contracts. I am concerned that these references, if taken out of context, could be potentially misleading ... Whilst the issue of contract terms was raised by the Rhondda Cynon Taff Bus and Coach Association when it met the Leader of the Council on 9th March 2001, we are not aware of any financial negotiations having taken place at that meeting'; and calls on the National Assembly for Wales and this House to congratulate the current Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales administration of Rhondda Cynon Taff Council on the remarkable transformation they have achieved over the past two years.'.

Signatures by party: Plaid Cymru 4.