§ 23. Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Minister of Transport following her statement in the White Paper on Transport Policy with regard to the provisions of financial assistance for certain rural bus services, whether she will introduce legislation to enable omnibus operators to be compelled to provide a service in rural areas where there is a clear public demand for such a service.
§ Mrs. CastleNo, Sir. I do not consider that such legislation is appropriate.
§ Mr. MorganI thank my right hon. Friend for the principle of the subsidy incorporated in the White Paper, but does she appreciate that between one-quarter and one-third of my constituents are not served by any public transport service and that a positive transport plan for such rural areas is a condition of life for many outlying parts and the communities living in them?
§ Mrs. CastleI am aware of these problems. It is just that I do not think that the method proposed in my hon. Friend's Question is the right way of tackling them. The right way is through the policy decision we have announced in the White Paper—that there must be financial help for these services in rural areas. I am proceeding from that decision to detailed discussions with the local authorities with a view to the legislation which will be necessary.
§ Mr. DeanWhile we welcome the right hon. Lady's reply, may I ask whether she realises that her tentative proposal that subsidies for rural buses should be met partly by ratepayers in the country areas will meet with very strong opposition?
§ Mrs. CastleOf course every person in a locality strongly opposes any decision which might affect him in the financial sense—we realise that. But obviously this is a sound principle which we must follow in any public support that we give to bus services in any part of the country. It should be first and foremost a local responsibility, though I have provided in the White Paper for an Exchequer contribution as well.