HC Deb 29 June 1966 vol 730 cc1766-7
18. Mr. Scott

asked the Minister of Transport what steps she is taking to secure the improvement of the public transport system in London.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Stephen Swingler)

I am writing to the hon. Member about the many steps my right hon. Friend is taking. These include the approval of new investment where appropriate, securing better coordination and ensuring that traffic and transport problems are dealt with comprehensively.

Mr. Scott

Can the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that restrictive practices are not standing in the way of the improvement of London's Transport services, and that his right hon. Friend is getting the full co-operation of the unions in providing a steadily improving service which is responsive to the customers' needs?

Mr. Swingler

Yes. The London Transport Board and the unions have been in considerable consultation about the recommendations of the Prices and Incomes Board. Agreement has been reached on the one-man operation of Green Line coaches, and the consideration of the implementation of these recommendations is going steadily forward.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Can the Minister say what consideration the Government are giving to the extension of the underground system, which is advancing only slowly? Is it not becoming apparent that the need for the extension of this system is very urgent?

Mr. Swingler

The need for an extension is apparent, and is long overdue. Consideration is being given to this matter by the co-ordinating council set up by my right hon. Friend, and she will have decisions to announce shortly.

Dr. Kerr

Will the Minister draw the attention of his right hon. Friend to the fact that many of us will support her if she takes a bold step in introducing a measure of control on private transport in London as an important contribution towards improving public transport?

Mr. Swingler

My right hon. Friend has been in consultation with the G.L.C. about this matter and certain measures have already been announced. Further measures are being considered.

Mr. Farr

In her consideration of this matter, will the Minister's right hon. Friend bear in mind the marked improvement in traffic flow—especially public traffic flow—a day or two ago when all the taxis were off the roads in London?