HC Deb 27 March 1968 vol 761 c1512
14. Mr. Cordle

asked the Minister of Transport when Bournemouth will be affected by her proposals to set up Passenger Transport Authorities throughout the country.

Mr. Swingler

As my right hon. Friend said in the White Paper on Public Transport and Traffic, we will consider the establishment of Passenger Transport Authorities outside the conurbations when the future shape of local government is clearer.

Mr. Cordle

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that people who use public transport on the South Coast would prefer the Minister to concentrate on improving British Rail commuter services rather than introducing these authorities, with an inevitable increase in fares and a burden on the rates?

Mr. Swingler

There is no inevitable increase in fares. The main purpose of establishing these authorities is to get the co-ordination and greater efficiency which I imagine the hon. Member wishes to see. But, meantime, matters are being investigated by the regional passenger transport co-ordinating committees of the Planning Councils. If the hon. Gentleman has any problems, I suggest that he puts them to those committees.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Conservative-controlled Southampton council has welcomed the new Passenger Transport Authority for the area?