HC Deb 27 March 1968 vol 761 cc1518-9
35. Mr. Gardner

asked the Minister of Transport when she expects to receive the report from the East Midlands Economic Planning Council on future passenger transport needs in the Nottingham area.

Mr. Swingler

I understand that the Council is not preparing a separate report on passenger transport needs in the region but will deal with it as part of a general report which should be ready later in the year.

Mr. Gardner

But is my right hon. Friend aware of the growing and continuing concern about the inadequacy of passenger transport in the Nottingham area following the closure of certain railway stations and the failure to provide adequate bus services? Would he not advise his right hon. Friend to designate the area for a P.T.A.?

Mr. Swingler

The latter part of my hon. Friend's question will be considered by my right hon. Friend at a later date. I am aware of the urgency of this problem. We shall shortly be receiving the Planning Council's Report, which will deal with Nottingham's passenger transport needs. But my hon. Friend will be aware that the counties and county boroughs of Nottingham and Derby have now put in hand a separate study of their own to go into the whole question. Out of that, I hope that we shall get effective proposals for co-ordination.