§ 38. Mr. FORRESTasked the Minister of Transport how many towns have changed or are changing over their service of tramways with metal lines either to a trackless trofley system or to a motor omnibus system and whether, as many towns desire guidance on the point. he proposes to investigate in any way the various systems with a view to advising on their application, if requested to do so, in different areas?
§ Colonel ASHLEYComplete information on the point raised in the first part of the hon. Member's question could only be obtained from the various tramway authorities. I may, however, say that I am aware that powers have been obtained in about 26 cases by local authorities and in one case by a company to work trotley vehicles over the whole or part of an existing tramway system, and that these powers have been exercised to some extent in, at any rate, about 11 instances. I cannot say in how many cases omnibus 1892 powers have been obtained by local authorities with a view to substituting an omnibus service for a tramway service. With regard to the second part of the question, while I shall always he glad to give such assistance as I properly can, it must not be overlooked that the form of transport most suited to the needs of a particular area depends to a large extent upon the local conditions, of which the responsible operating authorities in the locality should usually, I think, be in the best position to judge.
§ Mr. PALINIs the right hon. Gentleman taking into account, in considering these Orders, the additional cost that will he thrown on his Department and on the local authorities for road mending?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, Sir, all those considerations are taken into account.