§ 39 and 40. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he will call a conference of representatives of the local authorities within an approximate 50-mile radius of Manchester, the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company, and the London and North Eastern Railway Company for the purpose of considering the need of unified control of transport and the construction of an electric railway system radiating over the whole area;
(2) whether it is his policy to encourage the organising of regional control of transport where it is essential; and what steps are being taken, or are contemplated, with a view of securing regional organisation and control?
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Burgin)I am always ready to give sympathetic consideration to any sound scheme for promoting co-ordination and increased efficiency in transport services. It is for the local government authorities and transport interests concerned to take the initiative in the establishment of a regional scheme.
§ Mr. SmithAs there is great need for organisation of the kind suggested in the question in the area referred to, will the 348 Minister adopt a policy which will stimulate action of this kind in areas where it is so required?
§ Mr. BurginI shall be glad to receive suggestions. I think that the area which the hon. Member mentions in Question No. 39 is an extremely wide one—wider than anything that has yet been suggested—but if plans come before me, they will receive careful consideration.