§ LORD SLATERMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government when it is expected that the talks that are taking place with the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Post Office on the question of Postal Mini Buses will be completed; and whether a report on such talks will be given to Parliament.]
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has standing arrangements with the Post Office to discuss definite suggestions about particular routes as and when 94 these are made. The Post Office is also co-operating with the Department in the current pilot studies in Devon and West Suffolk to provide material for a review of the problems of rural transport.
§ LORD SLATERMy Lords, I am most grateful to the Minister for that reply, but is he aware that the pilot scheme for this particular means of transport was introduced as far back as 1967; that it was introduced in Montgomeryshire, in Wales, and then followed up by the extension of such service in East Lothian, in Scotland? I am given to understand, even apart from the reply which the Minister has given to the House, that there are at this juncture at least six studies. Would the Minister make representations to his right honourable friend to extend this service if it does not involve the Post Office in increased expenditure?
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, I was aware of what the noble Lord suggested in the earlier part of his supplementary question, and I will certainly make representations. The rural transport studies are going ahead as fast as possible. We will report to Parliament as soon as we have come to a conclusion, which will be before the summer of this year.
§ LORD KILMANYMy Lords, will my noble friend bear in mind that there really are great possibilities of improvement for people living in rural areas, as well as for Post Office economies, in pursuing this plan? Will he invite his right honourable friend to press forward with it with all emphasis?
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONYes, my Lords, I can give that assurance. Of course, it is primarily for the local authorities to make the initial move in these matters.