HC Deb 20 April 1955 vol 540 cc182-3
32. Mr. P. Wells

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many licensees for public transport services in rural Kent have notified the licensing authority of their intention to curtail or suspend services during the two years ending 31st December, 1954; and how many services were involved.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)

During this period the licensing authority granted applications from four companies to curtail services. I am informed that 52 services were affected in greater or lesser degree, but that no service was completely suspended. At the same time I understand that some 74 services were improved in one way or another.

Mr. Wells

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the curtailment of public transport in rural areas is having a most disastrous effect on agriculture, and will he call the attention of the licensing authorities to the fact that the drift from the land is to a great extent a consequence of this curtailment which is continually taking place?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

This is an important problem but, as I said in reply to an earlier Question, licensing authorities are making great efforts to maintain these services. If the hon. Gentleman will study my answer, I think that he will appreciate that in the area to which he referred they are doing so with a considerable degree of success.

Mr. Bottomley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the reasons for the curtailment of these services is the high cost of petrol, and can he say whether he made representations to his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reduce the petrol tax?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The right hon. Gentleman's own official experience will enable him adequately to answer that question himself.

Mr. J. T. Price

Is the House to take it that it is the view of the Minister of Transport that many of these rural services are to be regarded purely as commercial undertakings and not as public service undertakings with a fundamental duty to the public as a final deciding point regardless of economic questions? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recent judgment given in this matter is thought by many to determine the position of the Ministry? Can the Minister confirm or deny that he in fact regards these companies as commercial undertakings?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I should like to pay very high tribute to the sense of public spirit involved in the operation of unremunerative services in rural districts by many of these operators, for which I think that we should be very grateful.