HC Deb 12 February 1979 vol 962 cc762-3
3. Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is satisfied with the state of public transport in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Barry Jones

Like all hon. Members, my right hon. and learned Friend and I would like to see improvements. But we are satisfied that, within the resources available, a good service is being provided by the organisations concerned, including the county councils, which have a statutory duty to ensure that an adequate public transport system exists within their areas.

Mr. Atkins

Can my hon. Friend assure us that the central Wales line, the Cambrian coast line and the Shrewsbury-Cardiff lines will be kept open? If they are to be kept open, will my hon. Friend prevent them dying through lack of maintenance?

Mr. Barry Jones

I am aware that my hon. Friend feels very deeply about this matter. British Rail is responsible for operating the passenager rail network. There are no proposals to close any of the passenger lines in Wales.

Mr. Gwynfor Evans

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the growing unhappiness of old-age pensioners about their ability to travel by public transport when they have no private transport available? In many places in my constituency they can do no more than go to the chemist four or five times a year because that uses up their allocation. Can this matter be reconsidered?

Mr. Barry Jones

This is a real problem in many parts of Wales. I should stress that the Government have already made clear their desire that there should be an off-peak half-fare concession for pensioners as a standard on local bus services. At the same time, the level of concession is a matter for the local authorities, which receive financial assistance from the rate support grant.

Mr. Anderson

Is not one of the most salient factors of our rail system in Wales that not one mile of rail is electrified? In view of present uncertainties about the future availability of oil, will the Welsh Office press, at the highest level, for speeding up electrification in the Principality?

Mr. Barry Jones

The future electrifiction of the rail network is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. He is reviewing the situation with British Rail.