§ 94. Mr. Roseasked the Minister of Transport if she will make a statement on her discussion with chairmen of regional planning councils about regional transport plans.
§ Mrs. CastleI have had two very useful discussions with chairmen of regional economic planning councils—on 27th January and 3rd March. The main purpose was to inform the chairmen of my general approach to transport policy and planning and to seek their views both on the transport needs of their regions and on the steps that might be taken to secure a better integration of transport services. At my request they are also carrying out during the next six months a series of pilot studies of particular transport problems in the regions to help in a practical way to find the means of improving transport services.
The chairmen agreed with me that, in view of the vital part played by transport in regional economic development, it was essential to bring transport policy in all its aspects into close relationship with regional planning as a whole. Because of the importance I attach to this 538W work, I am strengthening the Department's representation in the regions.