§ 44. Mr. GILBERTasked the Home Secretary what powers his Department have over motor omnibuses in London and district; if they licence them and pass them as safe for the public; if they have any control over routes or fares; and if his Department has the same powers over motor omnibuses in all parts of the country?
§ Mr. SHORTTBy the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act, 1869, the Secretary of State is given power to grant licences for stage carriages, their drivers and conductors. This power he has by successive Orders delegated to the Commissioner of Police, who causes each vehicle to be inspected, and, if found fit, licensed for public use. Interference with the routes of omnibuses is expressly forbidden by the Metropolitan Streets Act, 1867; but before licensing a stage carriage its fitness, for the particular route is considered by the Commissioner. The amount of the fares chargeable to passengers is in the discretion of the proprietor of an omnibus. The powers of the Secretary of State are confined to the Metropolitan Police District.