HC Deb 17 February 1971 vol 811 cc1810-1
2. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he can now make a statement on his examination of rural transport services, in particular the licensing of private minibus services, with special reference to depletion of routes and services in South Worcestershire.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Eldon Griffiths)

The rural pilot studies and the examination of the licensing system are making good progress. In the meantime, local authorities already have powers to assist rural services, and where existing operators withdraw there is much greater scope for mini-bus operators and others to apply successfully for licences.

Sir G. Nabarro

But is not my hon. Friend aware that, because of the straitened state of their finances, many smaller local authorities are not in a position to devote funds to rescuing rural transport? Will he give an assurance that in areas like South Worcestershire, now almost denuded of bus services, he will, through the licensing authorities, encourage the employment of private enterprise mini-buses and any transport of a kind likely to prove mutually rewarding to both passengers and the undertaking?

Mr. Griffiths

I must tell my hon. Friend that the local authorities of Worcestershire, in financial difficulties though they may be, have agreed to support the rural services of Midland Red to the sum of £28,000. We are reviewing the licensing system to see whether more flexibility for mini-buses, among other things, can be achieved.

18. Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the reports from his two study groups investigating the problems of rural transport in the South of England.

Mr. Peyton

In the Spring, Sir.

Mr. Clark

Does the Minister think that when the study groups report, the results for what are esentially rural parts of the country will be applicable to the semi-urban areas of the North and industrial parts of the country, which have increasing transport problems?

Mr. Peyton

No, Sir. We might learn something relevant. but the two inquiries are concerned with the rural aspect of the passenger transport problem. I accept that urban areas are by no means free of this exceedingly difficult and obstinate problem.

Mr. Arthur Jones

My right hon. Friend will be aware that when we have the reports we shall have had our third report on rural transport. The first was in 1935. Is not it time that action was taken on the matter and on the broadening of the licensing requirements?

Mr. Peyton

I should like to wait for the two reports, which I think will be helpful, because circumstances have changed fast, and for the worst, over the past few years. I hope very much that the reports will throw light on the action which should be taken.