HC Deb 24 February 1970 vol 796 cc977-8
31. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied with the general conditions under which passenger service vehicles operate in Central Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Murray

Public service vehicles in Central Scotland operate in general under the same statutory conditions as apply elsewhere. Again, if my hon. Friend has some specific point in mind perhaps he will write to me about it.

Mr. Dalyell

With the prosperity which has now largely come to Central Scotland as a result of this Government's actions, with, indeed, in certain sectors, over-employment, is it not now time for a serious inquiry into the total transport situation, when many of my constituents are left waiting for buses which never arrive, because of shortages?

Mr. Murray

I suggest that this is rather a detailed point, but we would certainly be glad to write to my hon. Friend and discuss it with him.

Miss Herbison

Is my hon. Friend aware that many workers in my hon. Friend's constituency and in mine are finding the greatest difficulty in getting to work, that, if they can afford a car, they can run it, but if they try to protect themselves by hiring a bus, the operator who has not a licence is penalised and sometimes heavily fined? Would he look into this whole problem of transport for workers in Central Scotland?

Mr. Murray

The Traffic Commissioners are in touch with the S.T.G. operators over their problems, but they are bound to take the view that any other operators seeking to run services should conform to the road service licensing provisions.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that some services are very unsatisfactory? Would he therefore clarify the procedure for complaints about particular services? Is the transport users consultative committee able to consider such complaints? If not, which authority takes them?

Mr. Murray

I should like to check on that, but the general position is that we cannot intervene in day-to-day management.