HC Deb 06 April 1977 vol 929 cc1212-3
18. Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what conclusions he has reached on representations about rural transport received since the publication of the consultation document.

27. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what conclusions he has reached on representations about rural transport received since the publication of the consultation document.

Mr. Horam

I cannot anticipate the content of the forthcoming White Paper on transport. My right hon. Friend's conclusions will be set out there.

Mr. Crouch

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that answer to be completely inadequate for the terribly serious problem of today? People living in rural areas are desperately concerned. Does the Minister realise that some people are in danger of being stranded in country areas because they are unable to afford the fares to go to see relatives in hospital, to go to the chemist's to get a prescription serviced, or just to see their friends? Will he do something with the National Bus Company to try to right this position, because the National Bus Company seems to be completely out of touch with the problems of the people?

Mr. Horam

As this is a large problem it demands a proper and considered review, as I said earlier. The hon. Gentleman should take on board the fact that many county councils—they are almost exclusively Conservative-controlled county councils—are threatening not to pay over to the National Bus Company, in particular, money that we have given them for bus revenue. The NCB now fears that it may be far short of the money that it requires if this trend continues. I urge hon. Members opposite to talk to their county councillors and urge them to settle this matter quickly, otherwise people will be stranded in rural areas and it will be the fault of their councillors.

Mr. Morrison

Given the latest increase in petrol tax, does the hon. Gentleman accept that the situation in rural areas has become much more urgent? Does he recall the supplementary question asked by his hon. Friend the Member for Sowerby (Mr. Madden) on Question No. 11, in which his hon. Friend expressed a great deal of common sense? Does he recall that he replied that his hon. Friend was quite right? If the hon. Member for Sowerby was right, why does not the Minister do something about it?

Mr. Horam

Of course I accept what my hon. Friend the Member for Sowerby (Mr. Madden) said, and I accept what the hon. Gentleman said. It has been made more urgent, and it continues to be a problem that escalates the entire time. We must therefore reach sensible and sympathetic conclusions.