HC Deb 27 January 1971 vol 810 cc537-8
20. Mr. Raphael Tuck

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to enlarge the terms of reference of the Transport Users' Consultative Committee.

Mr. Peyton

I have just received representations from the Central Committee to this end, and will consider these carefully.

Mr. Tuck

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Committee is not allowed to discuss fares or the threat of reduction of a service, or the quality of a service or the proposed closure or reorganisation of a service? Does not he agree that this important Committee should be enabled to consider and report on these matters and anything relevant to them instead of being held in a straitjacket, as now, and allowed to discuss only one thing—personal hardship?

Mr. Peyton

So far as I am aware, the Committees are able to discuss the quality of service. As I have said, I will be looking at this subject now that I have received proposals from the Central Committee.