HC Deb 20 June 1967 vol 748 cc234-5W
Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Transport if she will issue a White Paper on the transport facilities required in an area within a 40 miles radius of Manchester in order to keep fares down to a minimum so that workers travelling to and from their employment at peak periods shall not be expected to subsidise those travelling at other times.

Mr. Swingler

We do not have such a White Paper in mind. We regard local transport planning as essentially a local responsibility. Passenger Transport Authorities will be responsible for the planning of public transport in their areas to meet the needs of commuters and other travellers.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Transport if she will consider setting up a transport organisation to cover the area within a 40 mile radius of Manchester on a similar basis to that for London, aimed at providing the best possible services to meet the needs of this concentration of population, at reducing all overhead charges to a minimum; and at using the new roads in the best way at peak periods.

Mr. Swingler

If my right hon. Friend is granted the powers she is seeking in the Transport Bill next session she expects to set up a passenger transport authority for the Greater Manchester area so as to secure the kind of public transport services my hon. Friend refers to. The size of the area will be a matter for decision at the time.