§ Mr. Speirasked the Minister of Transport which areas of Great Britain have been selected for experiments by specially appointed teams to test out practical solutions for the rural bus problem; on what lines these teams are working; what progress they have made; and when they expect to make their final recommendations.
§ Mr. MarplesLocal consultations are in progress in all the four areas mentioned in my reply to my hon. Friend's 27W Question on 11th March. I am awaiting any further proposals from local authorities before considering additional areas.
The teams are examining local transport facilities and needs and are considering realistically what improvements may be called for and how best they can be secured. Where need is shown, first priority will be given to ideas for practical experiments which can be carried out right away with the co-operation and agreement of all concerned within the present legal framework The time the investigations take will depend on the ways in which it may be proposed to experiment in each area. The House will be informed when conclusions are reached.