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Wednesday's Questions
Page 13
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From Our Parliamentary Correspondent
THE studies into the problems and requirements of rural transport, promised by Mr. Marples in August, have not yet started. "These studies have needed careful and detailed preparation. I am not quite ready with the final plan," he reported in the Commons when asked for a progress report by Mr. Rupert Speir
(Tory, Hexham). The Minister added that he hoped soon to say which areas he had finally chosen for the investigations.
Mr. Marples and his colleague at the Ministry of Housing and Local Govern ment, Sir Keith Joseph (he is also Minister for Welsh Affairs), also faced questions about transport in the Welsh countryside. Mr. Marples turned down a
suggestion that no more railway lines should be closed in Wales until the report
of the Council for Wales and Monmouthshire had been considered. Sir Keith said he proposed to keep in touch with the Transport Minister at all stages.
An attempt to persuade the Government to introduce legislation extending half-fare concessions on public transport up to the age of 15 failed. Mr. John Stonehouse (Labour, Wednesbury) vvas told by Vice-Admiral J. Hughes-Hallett that the granting of fares concessions was a matter for the commercial judgment of the operator, subject to the approval of the appropriate controlling Authority.
When Mr. Marples was questioned about the report of the Worboys Com mittee on road signs, he said he understood the committee was hoping to report to him next March.