HC Deb 24 July 1918 vol 108 cc1819-20
81. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Minister of Munitions what were the grounds on which the London General Omnibus Company applied for a subsidy for their motor omnibuses in South-East London; whether the subsidy is paid yearly, half-yearly, or quarterly; whether it is paid on the total mileage run by the omnibuses per week, including Sundays, or if it is only paid on the estimated mileage run when carrying munition workers; can he state if the omnibuses have to give preference to the munition workers on all routes over all other passengers; and can he give any estimate of the total number of munition workers carried on the various omnibus routes since the subsidy has been paid?

Mr. KELLAWAY

The original agreement with the London General Omnibus Company provided that the services in the Woolwich area should be supplied without charge to the Ministry, and it was only when the company stated that they were unable to continue these services without the aid of a subsidy that terms were arranged. The company renders quarterly statements of account. As stated by the present Minister of Blockade in his reply to my hon. Friend on the 18th June, the amount of the present Grant is based on the difference between the average earnings per mile of the omnibuses in the South-Eastern area as compared with the average earnings of the omnibuses in the remainder of the Metropolis, subject to certain conditions. The question of giving preference to munition workers was considered, and was found to be impracticable. The number of Arsenal and dockyard workers using the omnibuses is approximately 13,500 a day.

Mr. F. WHYTE

Has the hon. Gentleman changed his former opinions regarding this company?

Mr. KELLAWAY

We are all exposed to many permutations.

Mr. WATT

Are we to understand that no fares are charged on these buses to munition workers?

Mr. KELLAWAY

Certainly not. Fares are charged. It is not a charity.