Mrs. Castle tells of White Papers for NFO and CTAs
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
DETAILS of the National Freight Organization will be given in a White Paper Mrs. Castle plans to issue later this year. She told MPs this week that the document would be out before any legislation was introduced—but this did not satisfy Mr. Peter Walker He wanted an assurance that the White Paper would be published well before the Commons discussed the Bill, and suggested July or August.
Mrs. Castle told him that she wanted the House to have a full opportunity of studying
her opposite number on the Tory front bench.
the details in this "very complex" White Paper.
She added that she had consulted with the RI-IA about the NFO and was glad to say the reaction had been generally favourable.
Another White Paper promised this week by the Minister was one dealing with the Conurbation Transport Authorities. She said that this would give a detailed proposal, but the precise operating area would probably be examined after the legislation.
Mrs. Castle rejected the claim by Mr. Samuel Awdry (Tory, Chippenham) that many transport undertakings felt they had not been consulted enough. She had been at pains to consult them, she said and would take their views into account.
Replying to further questions, Mrs. Castle said it would not be appropriate to try to define the boundaries of the Authorities in the main legislation. That would be done by Order and after detailed discussions of the area concerned.
Mr. Awdry wanted to know whether an estimate had been made of the effect on the level of bus fares and the frequency of services of the formation of the Authorities. Mr. Stephen Swingler, the Parliamentary Secretary, said these were matters for which the Authorities themselves would be responsible.
Mr. Awdry spoke of the Authorities having large staff, which would put up the general level of fares, but Mr. Swingler pointed out that there were staff for the running of buses now and the Minister was bringing them together along with those concerned with traffic controls and road planning.