§ 69. Mr. BRIANTasked the Minister of Transport if, considering the limitation of the number of omnibuses which are to be allowed to run in certain thoroughfares and which are for the convenience of the travelling public, he is going to similarly limit the use of these thoroughfares by private ears, chars-a-bane, and other motor vehicles, the number of which is increasing at a very rapid ratio?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe London Traffic Act of 1924 confers on me special powers with regard to the limitation of omnibus journeys which do not apply to other classes of traffic. I am, however, as the hon. Member is aware, doing all I can for the relief of the more congested streets by improved methods of traffic control.
§ Colonel APPLINMay I ask whether a char-a-bane is not in exactly the same 1360 category as an omnibus, inasmuch as it carries people for fares?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, I would point out that the London Traffic Act, 1924, does not confer upon me similar powers in regard to chars-a-bane as it does in regard to omnibuses.
Sir F. HALLConsidering the reduction in the number of omnibuses, is there to be a reduction of a similar number of trams; and if not, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it unfair to the omnibuses that they should be reduced so as to finance the trams
§ Colonel ASHLEYMy hon. and gallant Friend's criticism is against the London Traffic Act, 1924.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs not heavy horse-drawn traffic a worse offender than either I he omnibuses or the trams?