18. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to establish passenger transport authorities in Scotland.
§ Mr. RossI intend to consult the local authorities and other interests concerned before deciding whether to establish any passenger transport authorities in Scotland.
Mr. TaylorPrecisely what was the reason for the new measures which the right hon. Gentleman is bringing in next week to enable local authorities to give grants to railway lines? Will he guarantee that he will not hold a pistol to the heads of local authorities and force the railway deficit on the rates?
§ Mr. RossI have never been a Secretary of State who held pistols to the heads of local authorities, despite invitations to do so from hon. Members opposite. The hon. Member knows the position. It has been considered fully in the Standing Committee on the Transport Bill and will no doubt be considered further. We have just received the report of the Greater Glasgow Transportation Study and we are still awaiting the East Central Scotland Study. Until we get it, we would be unwise to make up our minds about P.T.A.s in Scotland.