§ MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that within the last few days 'bus fares in London have been doubled, trebled, and in some cases, quadrupled, without any notice to the public; whether he will say if the Government, or other authority, has power to prevent this increase of fares; and whether any steps have been, or will be taken in the matter; whether he is aware that officers of 'bus owners make demands on passengers to inspect tickets; and whether he will take steps to stop this practice.
§ * THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TUB HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. RITCHIE,) CroydonI believe that the omnibus fares have been considerably increased during the last few days. The matter is within the discretion of the omnibus proprietor, so long as a table of the fares to be charged is distinctly painted in a conspicuous manner inside the omnibus. In addition, I understand, that there have usually been notices of the increase affixed to the outside of the omnibus. There is no power to interfere in the matter. As regards the last part of the Question, I see no reason for any steps on my part, even if I had power.
§ MR. FLYNNIf the Home Office has no power to interfere, why is it that the Metropolitan stage carriages are numbered, and, so to speak, licensed.
§ * MR. RITCHIEThey are numbered and licensed, but we have no power over their fares.
§ MR. KEIR HARDIEMay I ask whether in future the Home Office will insist on proper notice of an increase of fares being given?
§ * MR. RITCHIEI have no reason to suppose that proper notice has not been given.
§ MR. PATRICK O'BRIENDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to introduce legislation to give local authorities the control over omnibuses now held over tramways, so that the omnibus proprietors shall not be allowed to tax the working classes at their pleasure?
[No answer was given.]