HC Deb 08 March 1967 vol 742 cc1498-9
31. Mr. Mapp

asked the Minister of Transport what further progress she has made with the appointment of regional passenger transport co-ordinating committees; what bodies will be represented on these committees; and what tasks they will undertake.

Mrs. Castle

I have now appointed Committees for all regions. The members were appointed from nominations made by the Regional Economic Planning Councils, the Trades Union Congress, local authority associations, the bus operators' associations, British Rail and the Transport Users Consultative Committees. The members are not, however, appointed as representatives of these bodies but as a team, each contributing as best he can from his own experience and knowledge.

Their main task is to advise on how a more effective and co-ordinated public transport service can be achieved. They will study matters as better coordination of bus and rail timetables, better interchange facilities between different types of transport, the siting of car parks conveniently to public transport services and the improvement of bus services and the improvement of bus services by better traffic management.

Mr. Mapp

May I assure my right hon. Friend of the welcome that we on this side give to the principle? May I ask her whether, in the personnel of these committees, she has had regard to what I might call the elected element as distinct from the specialist element? May I put to her the new point that there would be some advantage in selecting or electing to such a body a Member of Parliament from each side of the House from those hon. Members representing constituencies in the region concerned?

Mrs. Castle

As far as the elected element is concerned, as I have said, we have asked the local authority associations to put forward the names of appropriate local concillors, and there are a number of very eminent local councillors serving on these committees. As regards my hon. Friend's other suggestion, although it is very ingenious, I can see certain difficulties. However, I will certainly consider it.

Sir R. Cary

May I ask the Minister if it is her intention to visit again officially the conurbation areas before publication of her Bill in September? She will remember that on the first occasion she came to listen. Perhaps on a second occasions she will be a little less silent —

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think that this arises on the next Question.