HC Deb 01 December 1976 vol 921 cc903-5
22. Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is satisfied that sufficient progress is being made towards the optimum allocation of resources for transport, especially within the Greater London area.

Mr. William Rodgers

Yes, Sir, as far as it is possible to be satisfied in present circumstances.

Mr. Forman

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that we shall never get anywhere with this problem without more linkage between the various modes of transport on both services and timetables? Has he considered doing something to that effect or knocking together the heads of the Chairmen of London Transport and British Rail in the London area?

Mr. Rodgers

This problem has exercised the minds of hon. Members over a period. The GLC, London Transport and British Rail are now getting together. Certainly they will have full encouragement and assistance from my Department.

Mr. Molloy

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the bus section of London Transport is probably the largest publicly-owned regional bus section in the country, that it covers the largest area, has immense problems, and provides a not very satisfactory service? Is he prepared to see the chairmen of the LTE and of the relevant committee of the GLC to consider how he can assist them with their grave problems?

Mr. Rodgers

We all have a good opinion of ourselves in this House. However, I must not overestimate my capacity to do what others have not yet done in the management of the bus service. There are particular and difficult problems in London. We have all complained about them. Nevertheless, those responsible for the management of the bus section are aware of the problems and, with further co-operation, I hope that they will be substantially overcome.

Mr. Gorst

Is the Secretary of State aware that under regulations to be introduced by the GLC after 4th December there can be no sensible allocation of resources in the London Transport area if commuters coming into London are selectively discriminated against, as they will be if car parking facilities are to be the subject of gross increases in charges and if the GLC is to have the power to restrict parking times so that people commuting into London by car are unable to make use of car parking facilities? If he is not aware of that situation, will he institute an inquiry into the whole matter before the regulations are introduced?

Mr. Rodgers

The Greater London Council, like any other local authority, works within statutes laid down by the House. We must allow it a measure of local option. Inevitably, decisions made by a local authority of any political colour are bound to be uncongenial to some people. Increases in costs of this kind have to be borne where they fall. There is no prospect of either central Government or local government increasing the subsidy to transport.

Mr. Spearing

Does my right hon. Friend recall that in the last few years considerable resources have been devoted to bus replacement in London and that there is controversy over that matter now? Does he also recall that the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. McNair-Wilson) and I raised the matter in the House many years ago? Will he now undertake an inquiry inside his Department to see whether his conduct of it in the past has contributed to the problem?

Mr. Rodgers

I do not think that this problem could be put down to the conduct of my Department, because it has been short-lived. Certainly, if there is anything here which causes concern on both sides of the House and it is within my statutory responsibility, I shall look at it.