§ 96. Colonel APPLINasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that public vehicles are upholstered in rep, velveteen, and other soft and clinging material; and whether, as such material collects dirt and disease germs and broadcasts them amongst the passengers, he will take steps to ensure the use of leather or other washable material in future?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThis is a matter for the individual licensing authorities, but I will bear in mind the suggestion that my hon. and gallant Friend has made.
§ Colonel APPLINWould the right hon. Gentleman consider this, because I am not referring to thepulex irritans harboured in these omnibuses, but to really serious germ diseases which are spread to people riding in dirty omnibuses?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, but the hon. Member must realise that the ordinary passenger would rather risk the germs than not have soft material to sit on.