HC Deb 14 February 1962 vol 653 cc1296-8
16. Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the hardship caused to the people of East Halton and South Killingholme by the withdrawal of local bus services; and, in view of the progressive deterioration in transport amenities in the countryside, what action he now proposes to take on the recommendations of the Jack Committee's Report.

23 and 36. Mr. More

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if, in implementing the recommendations of the Jack Committee on Road Transport, he will give special consideration to the sparsely populated areas; and

(2) if he will now make a statement on the recommendations of the Jack Committee on Rural Transport.

49. Mr. P. Browne

asked the Minister of Transport if he is now in a position to make a statement on the recommendations of the Jack Committee on Rural Transport.

Mr. Marples

I have seen no evidence that the people of these two villages are suffering hardship. I cannot say yet what action will be taken on the recommendation of the Jack Report.

Mr. Mallalieu

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have had a considerable amount of correspondence from inhabitants of these villages and others by whom this service was used very considerably, and that they are upset about it? Is he further aware that this is after eleven years of a Conservative Government during which hardly a year has passed without some of the services being withdrawn from the countryside? Even if he is rather a shining example of a modern big business Tory, could he not take an interest in the countryside?

Mr. Marples

It is interesting to know that the hon. and learned Member has had a large correspondence, because this service as a whole was operating at a loss of 10d. a mile. In 1961, the operating costs were 2s. 1d. rising to 2s. 3d. a mile and the average receipts on the whole service were 1s. 3d. per mile. During a week in July, the best for many months, the average receipts for the last bus journey during the day was 4d. a mile. I do not know how many letters the hon. and learned Member has, but should like him to send them to us.

Sir J. Maitland

On the whole of this subject, surely my right hon. Friend has no grounds to be pleased with the situation at present? Did he not write off quickly the fact that we have not yet dealt with the Jack Committee Report? Does he realise that this is a most important subject which many of us take very seriously?

Mr. Marples

I am sure that hon. Members take it very seriously, but unfortunately they do not have a unanimous view on the matter.

Mr. P. Browne

May I reinforce the argument of my hon. Friend the Member for Horncastle (Sir J. Maitland) and draw the attention of my right hon. Friend to the answer he gave in November to a question about when we could have a debate on the Jack Committee Report? He said that he realised it was a matter of extreme urgency and that he would consult the Leader of the House to see if time could be found for a debate. Has he had an answer to that question yet?

Mr. Marples

That was answered in November, when there was a debate on road transport in December, to which the Parliamentary Secretary replied.

Mr. Mallalieu

Will the Minister assure us that mere profit and loss is not to be the only consideration applied by this Government in the matter of withdrawal of rural services? Is there not such a thing as a social service whereby some of the more profitable routes can help to contribute to some of the less profitable ones?

Mr. Marples

On this particular route to which the hon. and learned Member has referred the situation is really ludicrous. The receipts are 4d. a mile, so, it cannot be extensively used. Application to withdraw the bus service was made in August. The usual notice was published and no objection was made, so the Traffic Commissioners granted the application in September.