§ Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement upon the recommendations of the Council of Wales Report on the Rural Transport Problem in Wales, Command Paper No. 1821.
§ Mr. MarplesI am continuing to keep the Council's views in mind when dealing with particular aspects of the rural transport problem as they arise.
As regards bus services, I have published a report of the results of the local rural transport surveys, including the study held in Montgomeryshire. 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 dealing with rail passenger closures my procedure is as I explained it to the House on 20th December. This ensures that full consideration is given to the social implications of proposed closures. The Railways Board's plans for recovering a greater share of bulky and heavy freight are outlined in the Report on the Reshaping of the Railways.
On roads, I have included some improvements to the north—south trunk road in my rolling programme and will consider further schemes for future extensions of it. As the hon. Member is aware, I do not think that the arrangements for minor roads should be changed.