HC Deb 30 July 1958 vol 592 cc1352-3
32. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what further steps he proposes to take to ensure that the inhabitants of rural areas are provided with adequate road transport facilities.

Mr. Watkinson

The Public Service Vehicle (Conditions of Fitness) Regulations were amended in April to make it easier for small buses with twelve seats to be used on stage services in rural areas. The Traffic Commissioners are always ready to help and to advise people who may be thinking of applying for the necessary road service licences.

I am studying the effect of these steps with great care, to see whether any further progress can be made along these lines.

Mr. Roberts

Does the Minister appreciate that for people living in rural areas the clock has been put back fifty years, and that it is most difficult for some aged people who need facilities when they go to receive their pensions or to do their weekly shopping?

Mr. Watkinson

This is a very serious problem, but one of the difficulties is that it arises from the great growth in the number of motor cars, mopeds, and scooters. A solution is not easy, but I shall look most carefully at any proposal which anyone brings forward, and the Department is trying to see whether we can make any better progress in providing better rural transport.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Will the Minister see how much these smaller buses are being employed? Is not it a fact that it has been said by the larger operators that they are not of great economic value? Also, will the Minister state what steps he is taking to prevent the elimination of alternative routes when railway branch lines are closed? Is it a fact that in three cases recently where buses were put on the road to cope with traffic which would come on the roads through the closing of branch lines those buses were subsequently withdrawn?

Mr. Watkinson

As to the first part of that supplementary question, I understand that some companies are considering the use of these small buses, some of which have merit not only in rural areas. As to the second part, if the hon. Gentleman can give me specific cases I will look into them.