§ 30. Mr. HIGHAMasked the Home Secretary if he has inquired into the reason of the increased omnibus fares in London; whether he proposes to see, in the interests of the travelling public, that the present fares are immediately reduced; and, if he has no power in the matter, will he take steps to see that such powers are granted to him with the least possible delay?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have no power to fix or control omnibus fares in London, but, as the matter is one of public importance, I am making certain inquiries in the matter, and the London General Omnibus Company has agreed to put full information at my disposal.
Mr. TERRELLMay I ask why it is that the right hon. Gentleman has powers to fix taxi-cab fares for the rich and has not power to fix fares for the poor?
§ Mr. SHORTTBecause Parliament so arranged it.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEWill the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the President of the Board of Trade to get the whole question of London traffic referred to a Joint Select Committee of both Houses?