§ 47. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the burden of high transport costs, bearing particularly heavily on the people living in the remote areas of the Highlands and Islands, and in view of the aggravation of this burden from the recent increase in freight charges and in petrol tax, he will appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into transport costs as they affect life in all remote rural areas.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The burden of transport costs on remote rural areas is appreciated, but I should not be justified in recommending to His Majesty the appointment of a Royal Commission. A draft charges scheme for merchandise traffic is now being prepared by the British Transport Commission for submission to the Transport Tribunal. There will be full opportunity of making representations to the Tribunal, at a public inquiry, on behalf of users in remote rural areas.
§ Lord Malcolm Douglas-HamiltonCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he thinks this scheme will be ready?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot say, without notice.
§ Lord Malcolm Douglas-HamiltonCan the right hon. Gentleman say what he proposes to do in the meantime to alleviate this burden?
§ Mr. HarrisonDoes my right hon. Friend assume that the Transport Commission should accept responsibility for providing these rural areas with transport facilities?