§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Transport to what extent he is prepared to help uneconomic bus services in the 171W rural areas; and whether the same principle will apply to bus services operating at a loss in other areas.
§ Mr. MarplesNow that we have the results of the special studies made last year, I am in consultation with the associations representing local authorities and bus. operators with a view to establishing what practical measures are best calculated to help in solving the rural transport problem.
The problems of urban public transport are of an entirely different nature. My Department are already in touch with transport operators on ways of improving services generally. I am considering what guidance I should issue to local authorities about traffic management measures which will make it easier to run urban bus services efficiently. Transport operators are co-operating with the Government and local authorities in the carrying out of transport surveys in the large conurbations: these will provide invaluable guidance for the future.