HC Deb 29 June 1966 vol 730 c1762
1. Mr. Kitson

asked the Minister of Transport when she will take powers to introduce a scheme to give additional help to bus services in rural areas; and if she will make a statement.

110. Mr. Astor

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals she has to ensure that adequate bus services are maintained in rural areas; and if she will make a statement.

The Minister of Transport (Mrs. Barbara Castle)

I am considering the needs of rural areas as part of national transport policy.

Mr. Kitson

Is it not time that some action was taken? There have been numbers of committees of inquiry making reports to the Ministry over the years. Is it not time that it did something about the situation, with rural transport deteriorating in nearly every area?

Mrs. Castle

I am aware of the difficulties that arise in rural transport, and the Government have taken some steps to help bus services by the remission of the fuel tax and in other ways. However, I am considering the wider problem in the context of my national transport plan.

Mr. Astor

Is the right hon. Lady aware that many licence holders are severely curtailing services in rural areas, which is causing difficulty for many people? Should she not prepare a plan to help in this matter?

Mrs. Castle

I am aware of that fact, and I am considering the problem.

Mr. Webster

In view of the fact that the withdrawal of investment allowances will add 40 per cent. to the costs of these companies, what urgent action is the right hon. Lady taking to compensate for that?

Mrs. Castle

As I have said, the Government have taken action in various ways to help bus services. Public transport will get the benefit of the rebate of the S.E.T. That shows that the Government are helping the transport industry.