HC Deb 12 January 1977 vol 923 cc1419-21
11. Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for reforming the road traffic licensing system.

29. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for reforming the road traffic licensing system.

Mr. Horam

As the consultation document on transport policy made clear, the case for general changes in bus licensing will have to be examined when we have results from our experiments with various kinds of unconventional services.

Mr. Hicks

Does not the Minister agree that there is a strong case for transferring the responsibilities for determining bus routes and coach operations from area traffic commissioners to first-tier local authorities? Would not that allow for greater flexibility and understanding of local needs, particularly in rural areas?

Mr. Horam

Yes. There is a case for that change to be made, and we have had representations to that effect from local authorities during our consultations with interested parties on the consultation document. But we have also had representations the other way from operators and trade unions who believe that the present system has worked well and would like it to continue. This is something that we shall have to decide when we finally make up our mind on transport policy.

Mr. Pavitt

Has any progress been made in the discussions with the Department of Health on the issuing of licences at the same time as information about kidney donor cards? I am grateful for my hon. Friend's correspondence, but is he aware that since we started it hundreds of people have died merely because no transplant kidneys are available? Will he now, therefore, seek to expedite the arrangements that he is making?

Mr. Horam

As my hon. Friend knows, I am sympathetic about this matter, and we are trying to do all we can to expedite it. But we have to ensure that the arrangements will work satisfactorily. That is the only thing that is holding up implementation of the scheme.

Mr. Norman Fowler

I should like to return to the point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Bodmin (Mr. Hicks). Why should new transport services he prevented from developing to serve the public in rural areas? Why should not commuters have freedom to choose lower-cost coach services? Does not the Under-Secretary agree that the present system is out of date and in urgent need of reform?

Mr. Horam

The hon. Member neglects the fact that new services are not being prevented from developing. For example, the Norfolk village bus service successfully operates within the existing licensing laws. We are taking measures in this direction. Opposition Members should not rely only on Government initiative for an improvement in the system. Much could be done within the existing licensing laws to improve the system. For instance, the local authorities could make a greater contribution than they do at present.