HC Deb 17 January 1968 vol 756 cc1765-6
18. Mr. Eadie

asked the Minister of Transport what estimate she has available of the percentage of the travelling public in Scotland who use passenger road transport and passenger rail transport, respectively.

Mr. Swingler

It has been estimated for an average week of 1965 that 59 per cent. of the population aged over three in Scotland made some use of buses and that 7 per cent used rail.

Mr. Eadie

Would not my hon. Friend agree that these figures show that there is a very serious imbalance between road and rail transport? Would he not further agree that anything which is done to rectify the imbalance could help to alleviate road congestion?

Mr. Swingler

I sympathise with my hon. Friend's desire to see greater use made of the railways in Scotland and, indeed, in the whole country. That has been one of the main purposes of my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary and his group, in identifying socially necessary railway services and introducing the system of grants incorporated in the Transport Bill. We hope and trust that it will have the effect which my hon. Friend desires.

19. Mr. Eadie

asked the Minister of Transport what estimate she has made of the numbers of the travelling public in Scotland using public transport in 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967.

Mr. Swingler

It has been estimated for an average week of 1965 that three million of the population aged over three made use of public transport. Estimates for other years are not available.

Mr. Eadie

Would not my hon. Friend agree fiat these figures illustrate that a very high percentage of the population use public transport? Would he not further agree that there is a case for an extension in this field rather than a contraction?

Mr. Swingler

I agree with my hon. Friend. It shows the considerable importance of public transport in Scotland, in particular, and the need to make some improvement. The financial assistance and other measures incorporated in the Transport Bill will, we hope, stimulate the improvements necessary.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Would my hon. Friend separate the figures which he has given in order to show the figure for North-East Scotland where it is particularly important having regard to the rail closures there?

Mr. Swingler

If my hon. and learned Friend will table that question, I will do my best to supply him with the figures he wants.