Minister to Act on Rural Transport
Page 30
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IN a determined effort to solve the problem of transport in rural areas, the Minister of Transport. Mr. H.
Watkinson, is soon to take two positive
steps. One is to introduce a pilot scheme in -a rural area, probably Northumberland. The other is to outline in a pamphlet ways of easing present-difficulties. writes our Parliamentary Correspondent.
This action arose out of a meeting which the Minister had last week with a depulation from the North East Industrial and Development Association, the County Councils' Association and the Rural District Councils' Association
Mr. Watkinson welcomed the idea of a pilot scheme.' Among ideas which were put forward for trial was the use of small buses and the reintroduction of "common carriers." Motorists travelling on regular routes at definite times may be asked to co-operate by giving lifts. A suggestion that post office vans should carry passengers was not favoured officially.
The associations hope to get the pilot scheme working by next spring at the latest, They may try it out in a more populated area, such as the North Riding of Yorkshire, aswell as in a rural area such as can be found in Northumberland. A further meeting with the Minister will take place when details of the scheme have been decided on.
Mr. Watkinson rejected a suggestion that an all-party committeeshould be formed to study the problem of rural transport. The formation of such a committee would lead only to delay, he said, and that, was what he did not want.