HC Deb 25 January 1967 vol 739 cc1488-9
27. Mr. Marquand

asked the Minister of Transport what studies are being carried out by her Department of the future development of public transport in the industrial areas of Nottinghamshire.

Mr, John Morris

The Department is taking part in a study by the regional Economic Planning Board of the development of the Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire industrial zone and in a subregional study by the city of Nottingham and the county council

Both studies will consider transport needs and the role of public transport.

Mr. Marquand

That Answer gives considerable satisfaction, but is my hon. Friend aware that the study of the East Midlands already published in the East Midlands Planning Council shows that there is likely to be a rapid increase of population in industrial Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire by the end of the century, and it seems to follow from that that there will be a greatly increased demand for public transport in the area? Will he, therefore, at least look at the possibility of reopening some of the closed passenger services on railway lines in the area, such as the Nottingham-Workshop line?

Mr. Morris

I do not want to raise my hon. Friend's hopes on the particular case he mentions, but public transport will be very much a matter for consideration by these working parties.