§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress made to date on the study and experiment on public transport in rural areas; and, in particular, what progress has been made in South Ayrshire.
§ Mr. HoramThe programme of rural transport experiments is well under way. The experiments under the present licensing laws have all started and a fur-138W ther one is now planned in place of an earlier proposal for a post bus based on Dalleagles. The first experiment to be authorised under the Passenger Vehicles (Experimental Areas) Act started in Devon on 3rd February, and the statutory procedures have either started or will start shortly on six others.
The first experiment in Scotland began in September last year in the Biggar-Carnwath-Dolphinton area of Lanarkshire. The second, in the Dalmellington-Cumnock area of South Ayrshire is expected to begin next month and plans for further experimental work in South Ayrshire are well advanced.