§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the decision now to postpone the scheme for rapid transit in the city of Manchester.
§ Mr. MarshA report published in November 1968 by the Working Party conducting the Manchester Rapid Transit Study recommended that preparatory work on a proposed 11 mile rapid transit line between Northenden and Higher Blackley through the city centre be carried to the stage which would permit a Parliamentary Bill to be deposited in November this year. The report made it clear, however, that the role of the rapid transit line in a comprehensive transportation plan for the conurbation would have to be substantiated by the results of the S.E.L.N.E.C. Transportation Study. This study, which is at present evaluating a number of comprehensive highway and public transport networks, including several rapid transit possibilities, is not expected to produce its final recommendations until the end of the year.
In this situation I understand that the Manchester City Council have decided not to deposit a Bill to promote the rail project this year. The effect of this decision is that it will now be for the Passenger Transport Authority to carry forward any proposals for rapid transit development emerging from the S.E.L.N.E.C. study. Rail rapid transit services in one form or another will have an important role in the Manchester area and I am glad that its potential is being thoroughly explored.