§ 25. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Minister of Transport if he will appoint a commission to examine every aspect of London's transport problem and make recommendations designed to provide a comfortable, integrated transport service with fares at reasonable rates.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI do not consider that a new commission is needed, at any rate at this moment. Those responsible for transport and planning in London—the London County Council, my Ministry, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, the British Railways and London Transport Boards—are already working together in the London Transportation Study to draw up comprehensive proposals based on the findings of the London Traffic Survey.
§ Mrs. ButlerI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but, in view of the urgency of relieving the utter misery of travel in the whole London area, will he see what he can do to speed up the study and the making of firm proposals? In particular, having regard to the hardship which constant increases in fares are causing—there have been 13 rail fare increases in the region in the past 10 years—will he ask his inquiry to pay particular attention to the avoidance of constant fare increases when it makes its recommendation?
§ Mr. FraserI shall do what I can to ensure that there is no unnecessary delay. In other words, I shall do my best to speed up the study which is now taking place. But I am told that the development of a comprehensive transportation plan may take a little time.