London Fares Area

HC Deb 29 June 1966 vol 730 cc1784-5

32. Mr. Channon

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals she has for enlarging the London fares area.

Mr. John Morris

No, Sir.

Mr. Channon

On a point of order. In my submission, that is not an Answer consonant with the English language.

Mr. Speaker

The Chair is not responsible for the Answer.

Mr. Channon

In that case, I would repeat my Question.

Mr. Morris

I am sorry, Mr. Speaker, I answered Question No. 33 instead of No. 32.

Mr. Swingler

The Answer to Question No. 32 is as follows. None at present, but the size of the area will be among the matters taken into account in any legislation dealing with London's transport problems.

Mr. Channon

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the right hon. Lady's predecessor, when Minister, gave an undertaking that he would consider proposals for enlarging this area, and that time has now elapsed? When will he be able to say what proposals, if any, the Government will bring forward?

Mr. Swingler

We are not responsible for the area laid down, which arises from the Tory Transport Act of 1962. We are now considering what changes are necessary.

Mr. Frederic Harris

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this is something which will be included in the White Paper? As we have heard so much about the White Paper today, is it liable to be a book and will it be white when it comes out?

Mr. Swingler

A great number of things require to be dealt with in the White Paper because they arise from the defects of the Transport Act of 1962.