§ 70. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Transport what use he has so far made of his power under Section 63 (4) of the Transport Act, 1947, to direct the British Transport Commission to prepare and submit a scheme for road passenger transport in any area or areas specified by him.
§ Mr. BarnesNone, Sir.
§ Mr. RentonIs the Minister aware that the Chairman of the Road Executive, at a public inquiry in the past few weeks, indicated clearly that it was the intention that the British Transport Commission should take over all road passenger transport services in the country; that this statement has caused grave concern, especially to municipalities; and will he give an assurance that area schemes will not be formed merely with a view to providing revenue to set off against the losses on the railways?
§ Mr. BarnesThat rather suggests to me that they are getting on with the job, and that it is not necessary for me to give definite instructions. The hon. Member is fully aware of the general directions given. These area schemes will have to be considered, if necessary, through special Parliamentary procedure
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesWhen can we expect the first area scheme to come into existence; and will my right hon. Friend consider giving directions to the Transport Commission to speed up the establishment of these passenger transport area schemes, as thereby road passenger undertakings might be acquired more cheaply than at the present time?
§ Mr. RentonIt would be much more expensive.
§ Mr. BarnesI do not agree that it necessarily follows that they would acquire road passenger undertakings at less expense than by agreement. It is well known, I think, that the Commission are now going into the question of a north-eastern area scheme; and, of course, others will follow.
§ Mr. William ShepherdWould the right hon. Gentleman like to give an assurance that the formation of any given area scheme will not be followed by an increase in the cost to the public?