HC Deb 01 December 1976 vol 921 cc892-3
3. Mr. MacGregor

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he proposes to take to improve transport in rural areas.

11. Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he proposes to take to improve rural transport; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Horam

The Government, through transport supplementary grant, are already helping shire counties to provide bus revenue support at an unprecedented level this year. We are soon to begin a series of practical experiments to test various unconventional means of providing transport for people living in country areas. The major problems of rural transport will of course figure largely in the transport policy on which we are now consulting all the interested bodies.

Mr. MacGregor

Is the Minister aware that, despite the grant, the problems of rural transport are getting more and more difficult? As it is likely to take some time for the results of his experiments to come through, will he consider introducing in this Session a short Bill relaxing licensing restrictions, especially for minibuses, as this would greatly ease flexibility in dealing with rural transport and would help voluntary associations and youth clubs whose use of mini-buses is being restricted?

Mr. Horam

I accept that the transport problems in rural areas are getting more difficult. We cannot introduce a Bill relaxing licensing laws generally. We are conducting experiments and it is right that we should have some experience before making a general decision. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will press his Front Bench colleagues to allow the Bill which we are introducing—which provides for four experimental areas—to make speedy progress. The use of minibuses for voluntary associations may be a suitable subject for a Private Member's Bill, to which I would certainly give sympathetic treatment.

Mr. John Ellis

Does my hon. Friend accept that the opening of the Humber Bridge will have a major effect on the transport infrastructure on south Humberside? Does he agree that in the short term nothing must be done to alter the pattern until the local authorities have studied the problem of the area as a whole?

Mr. Horam

I am conscious that we must take into account the Humber Bridge proposal—an excellent proposal on which we are making satisfactory progress—in considering the rural arrangements in my hon. Friend's part of the world.

Mr. Fry

We have waited two-and-a-half years for these small measures to be brought forward. We hope that we shall not have to wait another two-and-a-half years before measures applying to all rural districts are brought in. Does the Minister agree that, because of the pressure on local government expenditure, which is likely to continue, after that lapse of time there will be precious little public transport left in many rural areas?

Mr. Horam

As I said, I am anxious to get a move on with this problem, the seriousness of which I fully recognise. We hope to begin the experiment by about Easter, all being well. It depends on the progress of the Bill, which we are anxious to get through quickly.