Talks pledge on Glasgow transport
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• Mr Gordon Campbell. Secretary of State for Scotland, is to consult local authorities before reaching a decision on the co-ordination of public transport in the Glasgow area.
The majority Labour group on Glasgow Corporation favours the creation of a passenger transport authority and want urgent Government action.
On the motion of Cllr Tom Fulton, convener of the highways committee, the transport committee has expressed regret at the lack of Government action to clarify proposals for such an authority and deal with the financial implications.
It has recommended that an immediate approach be made to Mr Campbell with a request for discussions at Ministerial level on the creation of a passenger transport authority.
Dr Dickson Mabon, MP, and former Minister of State, Scottish 'Office, wrote to Mr Campbell after discussing the issue with Cllr Fulton.
Mr Campbell has now written to Dr Mabon stating: "No one knows better than you that this is a complex matter on which strong opinions are held, both for and against.
"Because of its importance I have felt it necessary to carry out a thorough review of the whole problem before deciding my attitude towards the approach adopted by your administration, which provoked such mixed reactions.
"Before reaching a decision, however, I have already promised that either Mr George Younger (Under Secretary of State for Development) or I will meet the local authorities concerned to discuss the question.
"Officials of the Scottish Development Department will be getting in touch with the local authorities to make arrangements for this meeting as soon as we are ready."
Commenting on this letter, alr Fulton said: "I hope the Secretary of State will not evade the issue as the transport and traffic problem seems more likely to worsen than improve."