§ First, two basic industries and services—transport and energy.
§ I would emphasise to the Committee the importance of Dr. Beeching's proposals for the rationalisation of the freight services, with the great potentialities of lower transport costs which these present, and the elimination of clearly uneconomic passenger services. This is important to the Exchequer, for it is the practical route to a great reduction in the bill for transport subsidies, which is now nearly £150 million. But it is crucial for industry, and to the growth of the national economy.
§ In another sector of the transport industry much in need of modernisation, the ports, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport has announced the Government's intention to proceed on the lines proposed by the Rochdale Committee.
§ On roads, the Government's long-term programme is pushing ahead, and the Vote is up by £21 million to £172 million.