8 MARCH 2007 

During my debate <Debate at Westminster Hall>, the House of Lords reform debate will be concluding in the main chamber. 

I hope to listen to the wind-up speeches. 
Amendments have been put forward to the seven alternative proposals for the formation of the House in addition to motions for the abolition of the second chamber and the removal of the remaining hereditary peers. 

It is going to be complicated to follow the process and to be certain whether one is voting on an amendment or the original proposal. 
All the votes will be free to members of the two main parties so they will have to decide for themselves rather than follow their whips! I hope this will produce a result as at the last attempt, also on a free vote, the House rejected every alternative proposal. 

Concerns about cuts in bus services continue particularly the withdrawal of the reliable 16A service, Areley Kings to Kidderminster and reductions in the 11 and 12 services between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport. 

These services may not be commercially viable but as they are vital for older people, those without cars and to encourage all of us to use our cars less, they must be maintained despite costs to the County Council. 
Mrs Bailey of Dunley Road wrote to me with the valuable suggestion from Ken Radbourne of the County Council Transport Department that the County Council might look again at the services if they received examples of missed hospital appointments or trains due to the unreliability of remaining services. 

It is over to you to provide this evidence direct to me or to Stourport County Councillor, Jill Fairbrother-Millis, who has raised detailed concerns at County.

R.T.

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