§ 91. Mr. WADDINGTONasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that in several industrial areas there is great confusion caused by competition between various omnibus services and tramways; that there are other similar areas where the services are not adequate for the public convenience; and will he consider the setting up of licensing authorities to cover wide areas similar to the joint electricity advisory authori- 255 ties, and to have such licensing authorities representative of both local authorities and private undertakings, with a view to a co-ordination of omnibus and tramway services throughout the country?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have under consideration certain alterations in the law with regard to the licensing of public service vehicles in the contemplated Road Vehicles Bill.
§ Mr. PALINWould the Minister receive a deputation from the municipalities concerned, seeing that there is approximately £70,000,000 involved in this question?
§ Colonel ASHLEYOf course, I am always ready to receive any representations. Perhaps the hon. Member will communicate with me privately on the matter. Primarily it is a matter for the local bodies.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a private inquiry among all the local authorities, with all the essential facts at their disposal, would point to the necessity for a change in many of the decisions he has recently come to in these cases?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat does not arise out of this question.
§ Mr. PALINSurely the Ministry would welcome information that would enable it to escape such a very serious responsibility?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, and that is why I asked the hon. Member kindly to communicate with me privately.