§ 53. Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent discussions he has had with local authorities on the improvement of rural bus services; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Dr. GilbertThe subject has arisen on a number of occasions in discussions between Ministers and local authorities. The responsibility for securing provision of a co-ordinated and efficient system of public transport rests with the county councils. This Department's Circular 43/75 made it clear that, in considering counties' transport policies and programmes this year, I would give relatively high priority to the provision of public transport services in the less densely populated areas.