§ 2. Mr. Kershawasked the Minister of Transport what formal proposals he has received about the Gloucester-Chalford rail car; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom FraserNone, Sir. But I have received suggestions from two local authorities for improved bus services. I have told them that on present evidence the existing services appear adequate, but that I am willing to consider practical proposals for improving connections between services.
§ Mr. KershawWill the right hon. Gentleman realise that the bus services are hopelessly inadequate for replacing this rail car? Will he understand the hardship being inflicted on members of my constituency and realise that the pronouncement he has just made makes the Labour Party's pledges during the election campaign in my constituency look extremely dishonest?
§ Mr. FraserI wrote to the hon. Gentleman on 5th January to explain the position, and I let him have a copy of a letter which my Ministry sent to one of the urban district councils setting out all the circumstances of the case. It is not good enough for the hon. Gentleman to say that the existing bus services are hopelessly inadequate when he has failed to respond to my request of 5th January to give me evidence of that.
§ Mr. Kershawrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. There is so much noise that no one has been called. Mr. Powell, Question No. 3.
§ Mr. Tom FraserWith permission, Mr. Speaker, I will answer Questions Nos. 3, 4 and 36.
§ Mr. KershawOn a point of order. In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of that last reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. SpeakerIt is too late, I am afraid.