§ 95. Colonel APPLINasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to overcrowded seating accommodation in the new type of General omnibus and the inadequate passage room between the seats when the omnibus is full; and if he will approach the London General Omnibus Company with a view to discontinuing the building of this type of omnibus in the interest of the comfort and convenience of the public?
§ Captain HACKINGI have been asked to reply to this question. I am advised that the accommodation provided is reasonably adequate, and I see no occasion for any special representations on my part to the company.
§ Colonel APPLINIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that when these omnibuses are partially full there is plenty of room, but when they are quite filled that they are overflowing, and the passengers flow on to one another, rendering it extremely uncomfortable and most difficult for a conductor to collect his fares?
§ Captain HACKINGI understand that there is 16-in. of seating space for each 1198 passenger, and I think the hon. and gallant Member will agree that is not too much. If we keep that the same and wish to enlarge the gangway, it means having to make the total measurements of the omnibus larger, and if that were done I am afraid the Minister of Transport would be up against the Home Office for increasing the congestion of the streets.