§ 14. Mr. CAMPBELLasked the Home Secretary if he will consider extending the hours during which standing in omnibuses is allowed until after 8.30 a.m., in view of the fact that large numbers of people travel between this hour and 9.30?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThis is being done, and some extension is being allowed also in the evening.
§ Mr. HAYESIs not this illegal at any time of the day; from what source then does the Home Secretary derive his powers of suspension at all?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI anticipate there must be some powers invested in my office.
§ Mr. B. SMITHWas it not stated by the Traffic Committee that in fact, the whole thing is illegal, but that there was need for some facilities for the public of London? Was not this recommended by the Department of the right hon. Gentleman? Did they not, in fact, introduce it? Further, I should like to know whether or not it is contemplated by the Traffic Committee to have a further extension?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have no information as to that. The Report of the Traffic Committee contained certain recommendations, and I have authorised those recommendations to be carried into effect.
§ Mr. B. SMITHThe point I am trying to make is this: Did not the right hon. Gentleman state that he was considering a further extension?
§ HON. MEMBERS: No.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI assume that the question only relates to the morning, but the Report of the Traffic Committee relates to both morning and evening.
§ Mr. MACLEANArising out of the reply to the original question, are we to take it that even on the recommendations of a Committee a Minister has the right to fly in the face of an Act of Parliament and issue instructions?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is another question.