§ 38. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for improving rural bus services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineWe are taking a fresh and urgent look at the problem through pilot studies which have just begun in Devon and West Suffolk. We shall put forward proposals in the light of our findings.
§ Mr. OsbornThe problem is severe and is of concern to many operators of rural bus services. Will the study include the possibility of a post bus and other means of providing adequate rural transport at reasonable prices for those living in the country?
§ Mr. HeseltineWe are looking at the possible extension of postal services and combined transport services, as my hon. Friend suggests. We are looking also at a range of other possibilities with a similar purpose.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsGreat hardship is being caused to people using rural bus services now that prices are increasing. Does my hon. Friend realise that it is possible that there will be few rural bus services left in the next year or two if the present closure rate continues owing to higher prices and higher operating costs? Will he do something about it?
§ Mr. HeseltineI am aware that the wage award in the National Bus Company at the beginning of this year was catastrophic to the level of rural bus services and that certain alterations in drivers' hours have greatly aggravated the position. We are reviewing the latter. It is difficult to do anything about the matter raised in the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question.
§ Mr. David ClarkWill the Minister bear in mind that there are many parts of the country which are not traditionally accepted as rural but which have a great problem in their bus services, too?
§ Mr. HeseltineYes, Sir, we recognise that there are these intermediate or twilight areas, and we are looking at them at the same time.