HC Deb 31 July 1963 vol 682 cc431-3
24. Mr. Speir

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to announce new Government measures to assist rural transport.

74. Mr. More

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will now make a statement on the implementation of the recommendations of the Jack Committee.

Mr. Marples

I am considering the results, which I have only just received, of the special studies I have had made of rural transport.

Mr. Speir

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this prolonged period of gestation of this simple problem is getting very boring? Does he further realise that from year to year we have asked for Government action? Why is it impossible for the Government to take action on a comparatively minor problem? Are we to understand that there will be no decision until Parliament resumes in the autumn? Will my right hon. Friend write to me as soon as the Government have made up their great big mind?

Mr. Marples

I hope that a decision will be made in the autumn.

Mr. More

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this puts a great burden on very small independent bus companies which have been serving the countryside, and that a delay of three months may make all the difference in enabling some of them to carry on?

Mr. Marples

I realise that there may be some hardship, but the implications of the various proposals arising from the study that we have made are difficult to assess. I do not consider that we are wasting time.

Mr. Strauss

In view of the fact that some years ago the House had a very full and detailed report on the problems of rural transport, about which nothing has been done, and that the Minister is now having another study made for him which will no doubt be of great interest to Members of this House, especially those who sit for rural constituencies, will he make that study and report available?

Mr. Marples

I will consider that. I would like to make it available. The point is that I should like to make it available in an easily digestible form. I will consider that.

Mr. Manuel

Will the Minister inform the House whether he has had any discussions with the Secretary of State for Scotland on the problems of rural transport—in particular regarding certain stretches of railway which, if closed, will aggravate a position that is already very bad—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That question does not arise from the Answer about the Jack Report.

Mr. Manuel

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In certain areas in Scotland the roads would be insufficient to deal with rural transport if the rails were closed.

Mr. Speaker

I do not dispute that proposition. I merely assert that it does not arise on this Question.