HC Deb 17 December 1971 vol 828 cc214-6W
Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to set up a passenger transport authority for the Greater Glasgow area.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

In the longer term, after the reform of local government, the regional authority will be the appropriate body to co-ordinate public passenger transport in the Glasgow area. I accept, however, the view expressed in consultations undertaken by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Development with the local authorities concerned that the problem is too urgent to await the reorganisation of local government, and that at present Part II of the Transport Act, 1968, provides the only machinery which can meet the situation.

I have, therefore, decided to set up a Passenger Transport Authority for the Greater Glasgow area. I regard this as an interim measure, to enable a start to be made in developing a co-ordinated and efficient system of public passenger transport to meet the needs of the conurbation. The ground can thus be prepared for a regional authority, which will succeed to the powers and responsibilities of the Passenger Transport Authority as soon as it is in a position to do so after reorganisation of local government.

I am arranging for letters to be sent to all the local authorities concerned, informing them of my decision and inviting comment on my proposals for the precise area to be designated and the composition of the new authority. The local authority areas which I am proposing for inclusion in the passenger transport area are:

County of City

Glasgow.

Large Burghs

  • Paisley.
  • Motherwell and Wishaw.
  • Coatbridge.
  • Airdrie.
  • Clydebank.
  • East Kilbride.
  • Hamilton.
  • Rutherglen.

Lanarkshire

Small Burgh: Bishopbriggs:

Landward Area: Part, comprising Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Districts.

Renfrewslzire

Small Burghs: Johnstone, Renfrew, Barrhead.

Landward Area: Part, comprising First, Second, Third and Fourth Districts.

Dunbartonshire

Small Burghs: Bearsden, Kirkintilloch, Cumbernauld and Milngavie.

Landward Area: Part, comprising Kirkintilloch and Cumbernauld District, Old Kilpatrick District (excluding electoral Divisions of Bowling and Dumbarton).

Stirlingshire

Small Burghs: Kilsyth.

Landward Area: Part, comprising Western No. 3 District, part of Western No. 2 District (Strathblane electoral Division only). Part of Central No. 2 District (Kilsyth East and Kilsyth West electoral Divisions only).

The membership I have in mind would give 13 seats on the Passenger Transport Authority to Glasgow and 13, divided as far as possible in proportion to population and rate product, to the other local authorities concerned, leaving four to be persons appointed by me.

Once comments have been received and considered, I shall prepare a draft designation Order, which will form the basis for formal consultation as required by Section 9 of the Transport Act, 1968.