§ 32. Mr. Pardoeasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications what discussions he has had with interested bodies about the introduction of post and passenger bus services in rural areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChatawayNone, Sir; this is primarily a matter for the Post Office and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.
§ Mr. PardoeWould the right hon. Gentleman accept that in view of the manic desire of both the National Bus Company and the Post Office to close their separate services in the rural areas, this system is the only way to prolong services in the rural communities? Will he accept a degree of responsibility for them?
§ Mr. ChatawayThe Post Office is always willing to consider on their merits applications for postal bus services, though Ministers responsible for the environment have made clear the sort of difficulties that arise in connection with such proposals.