HC Deb 03 June 1959 vol 606 cc170-2
16. Mr. Peyton

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is now able to make a statement on the terms of reference and membership of the Committee which is to consider rural transport.

20. Sir A. Hurd

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will announce the names of the Committee to inquire into the problem of rural bus services and the Committee's terms of reference; and if he will arrange for the Committee to visit several parts of the country to take evidence on the spot where the greatest difficulties are experienced in maintaining adequate transport services.

Mr. Watkinson

The terms of reference of the Committee will be: To review present trends in rural bus services and in particular to inquire into the adequacy of those services; to consider possible methods of ensuring adequate services in future; and to make recommendations. I hope to announce the membership of the Committee in the next few weeks.

The Committee will be free to make whatever arrangements it thinks best to receive evidence.

Mr. Peyton

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this announcement will give a great deal of satisfaction to many people who are concerned with this problem, which in the countryside is becoming one of increasing gravity? I am most grateful to him.

Mr. Watkinson

I was made very clearly aware by my hon. Friends that this is a very serious problem in the country districts. I accepted their view, and, as a result, this Committee has been set up.

Mr. Ernest Davies

While welcoming the Government's recognition of the existence of this problem and the appointment of the Committee with these terms of reference, may I ask the Minister whether we may have an assurance that the Committee will proceed with its inquiries with the utmost urgency? Will he encourage it to issue interim reports so that recommendations may be made and action taken in the interim if that is found desirable? In the terms of reference there is no reference to the licensing system. Does that mean that this is excluded from the Committee's consideration or will the Committee take it into account? The basis of the licensing system is to give protection to these companies so that remunerative services can pay for their unremunerative services. Will the Committee therefore take this fully into account and see that the unremunerative services are not abolished while the remunerative services are continued?

Mr. Watkinson

I do not think that the Committee is debarred by its terms of reference from examining the whole position concerning rural bus services, including alternative services and everything else. I hope that it will carry out its task expeditiously.