HC Deb 23 November 1970 vol 807 cc25-6
32. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will seek powers to provide postal mini-buses in order to provide transport in rural areas.

Mr. Chataway

The Post Office already has such powers under Section 7(2)(n) of the Post Office Act, 1969.

Mr. King

Will my right hon. Friend use those powers? Will he accept that in many parts of rural England, certainly in South Dorset, the withdrawal of bus services and the raising of bus fares between villages has now reach crisis point? Is he further aware that there are cases where rail services have been closed on the understanding that bus services will replace them, and then the bus services have been withdrawn? Will he urgently consult his right hon. Friend, and use the powers he appears to possess?

Mr. Chataway

I entirely accept that there are serious problems involved. It is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, but his Department is in touch with the Post Office about possible extensions to the postal mini-bus service.

Mr. Hooson

Does the Minister intend to use his influence with the Post Office to ensure that these services are expanded? My constituency had the first experimental service years ago and I think that there have been three others since then, but there is great scope for the expansion of this service for the general benefit of the public.

Mr. Chataway

The Post Office has assured me that it will do all in its power to make a success of the discussions that are at present proceeding between itself and the Department of the Environment.

Mr. William Edwards

As the Secretary of State for Wales is not primarily responsible for transport facilities in Wales, would the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications like to take over the responsibility when his job comes to an end?

Mr. Chataway

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman correctly quoted my right hon. Friend by saying that my right hon. Friend is not primarily responsible for transport facilities in Wales, because there was some suggestion earlier that my right hon. Friend had said that he was not responsible.