§ 35. Mr. GILBERTasked the President of Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Ilford Corporation Tramways Committee have been requested by the Tramways Committee appointed by his Department to restrict their tram services, and they have been curtailed on Sundays; whether he is aware that the motor omnibus company which runs in the same district propose to increase their services; and whether, in view of the unfairness of treating a public-owned service and a private company on different lines, he will see that, if services are to be reduced, private companies shall not be allowed to increase their services at the same time?
Sir A. STANLEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, the Board of Trade are in communication with the omnibus company, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.
Sir A. STANLEYWe have not the same power, but it would be possible through the issue of petrol licences to place some restriction upon omnibus services.
Mr. HARRISIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a strong feeling abroad that the privileges given to the buses is giving assistance to private companies as opposed to municipal undertakings?
Mr. CHANCELLORIs it not a fact that the chairman of the Committee, who issues the Instructions, is largely interested in the combination, and is not that largely indecent?
Sir A. STANLEYI am not aware of the Petrol Controller having any interest whatever in the undertaking.