§ Colonel Beamishasked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made by the Committee appointed to review rural omnibus services and linked questions; how many times the Committee has met; when it will report and if the report will be made public; and whether he is aware that since last summer there has been a further reduction in omnibus and railway services in rural areas with consequent inconvenience for many people.
§ Mr. MarplesThe Committee on rural bus services is making good progress in its study of the problem. Memoranda have been received from some ninety interested persons and organisations. The Committee has met six times so far. It has heard oral evidence from ten bodies representing bus user interests, and is now to hear bus operators and others. The Committee hopes to report during the autumn of this year. No decision has been taken about the publication of the report.