asked the Secretary of State for Wales if the Welsh Economic Council will institute a study of the question of the integration of transport facilities in Wales.

At the request of the Minister of Transport, the Welsh Economic Council has appointed a panel to make a pilot study of this question. I am glad to say that Sir Miles Thomas has agreed to be Chairman of this Panel.

Would my hon. Friend consider, as a step forward, calling together all those local authorities which have public passenger transport systems to consider possible integration if it is desirable in the public interest?

I have no doubt that the panel, under the chairmanship of Sir Miles Thomas, will regard the point put by my hon. Friend as very pertinent.

Will the Minister of State also remember, on the question of the integration of transport, that the Government are taking great steps to drive the private hauliers out of business in Wales and that if we want a transport service we must preserve them?

The Question referred to the integration of an efficient transport service. The Panel will be composed of experts under the chairmanship of an acknowledged expert and will report directly to the Secretary of State on all matters related to such a service. The party political points made by the right hon. Member for Monmouth (Mr. Thorneycroft) will not, I hope, enter into the Panel's deliberations.