§ 89. Mr. NUTTALLasked the Minister of Transport the number of omnibuses licensed for the carriage of passengers in the County of London, giving the number owned or controlled by the London General Omnibus Company and its associate companies?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe number of motor omnibuses licensed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis during the twelve months ended 28th February last was 5,474. Of these, 4,269 were in respect of vehicles owned or controlled by the London General Omnibus Company and its associated companies. I have no information, however, regarding the proportion of this figure which relates to vehicles licensed in substitution for vehicles withdrawn from service.
§ 90 Mr. WADDINGTONasked the Minister of Transport whether, as the compensation of passengers in the event of accident is compulsory upon all tramway undertakings, he will take steps to have a similar obligation imposed when omnibus licences are issued?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am not quite sure of the exact point to which my hon. Friend's question refers, as both omnibus proprietors and tramway undertakings are subject to the ordinary liabilities at common law in respect of compensation to passengers in the event of accident. Perhaps he will communicate with me further.
§ Mr. B. SMITHWill the right hon. Gentleman consider whether cab owners, in putting their cabs before the Commissioner of Police, should also take a guarantee of compensation under the Act?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes. I think that is a matter for consideration.