111.P.s Attack Decline in Rural Bus Services
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From Our Political Correspondent
IN an attempt to prod the Government 1 into helping country bus services, Mr. Rupert Speir (Tory, Hexham), a leading champion of rural transport, has put down a motion in the House of Commons asking for quick action.
The motion—which soon received support from many Tories—views with concern the continuing reduction of bus services in the rural areas of Great Britain, and draws attention to the hardship imposed on the rural population by the disappearance of public transport facilities.
It warns that this will lead to the further depopulation of the countryside, and says that special steps are urgently necessary to ensure that adequate services are maintained.
House of Commons motions can form the .basis of a debate, but there is little chance of this happening in the present case. The Government will need all the time available during the few remaining weeks of this Parliamentary session to deal with the legislation in hand—and until he has come to some decision about the Jack Report, Mr. Ernest Mar pies, the Minister of Transport, will not be overanxious to be badgered about country bus services.
But even if the motion does not lead to a debate, it will serve as a valuable indication to Ministers that M.P.s are really concerned about the problems facing rural transport services.
Dim Outlook for Hull
THE outlook for 1961-62 was far from bright and the latest figures indicated a deficit of £86,000, which might lead to a further application for fares increases, said Mr. G, 1-1. Pulfrey, transport manager, in his annual report to Hull transport committee.