To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates are available to him of the effect which the introduction of the Travelcard and Capitalcard has had on the volume of traffic and level of congestion in London.

No reliable estimates are available, but Travelcard and Capitalcard are believed to have been significant in increasing the use of public transport in London and can be expected to have released capacity on the road network.

I thank the Minister for that reply. I believe that Capitalcard and Travelcard must, indeed, have assisted in removing congestion. We Londoners very much appreciate that and are therefore extremely worried about the possibility that Travelcard and Capitalcard may no longer exist if bus deregulation comes into force. Will the Minister guarantee that Capitalcard and Travelcard will continue if bus deregulation should occur in London?

When we bring forward detailed proposals for bus deregulation in London, there will be ample opportunities for substantial debate. I am sure that the hon. Lady would not want me to pre-empt her opportunities.