HC Deb 21 June 1926 vol 197 cc35-6
72. Colonel APPLIN

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the Prime Minister's promise with regard to those who came forward to assist the country during the general strike, and his own undertaking with regard to privately-owned omnibuses which kept running, he will issue instructions that privately-owned omnibuses that replaced regular London General Omnibus Company's omnibuses on certain routes during the strike shall not be penalised now by being relegated to 'inferior and non-paying routes?

Colonel ASHLEY

I am afraid I do not know to what undertaking with regard to privately-owned omnibuses which kept running during the general strike my hon. and gallant Friend refers. The position of all omnibus operators during the strike was the same, and their vehicles were operated on routes where there was the least likelihood of interference. After the strike all operators returned to the routes which they had been previously working, and I see no reason for making any alteration in the arrangements.

Colonel APPLIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Debate on this subject he himself made the statement that these people would not be penalised in any way, and that privately-owned omnibuses would not be driven off the streets when the strike ended?

Colonel ASHLEY

I said I was investigating the whole matter. What I am now doing is to see that the arrangements which existed just previous to the strike should continue.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Could not these voluntary men keep the routes they established their rights to by running on during the strike? May I have an answer to that question?

Colonel ASHLEY

During the strike all omnibuses, whether owned by the General Omnibus Company, the independent owners, or others, were put on the routes which they were most fitted to run on and where there was the least interference. After the strike they went back to the routes on which they ran before the strike.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

I wish to know why they are not allowed to keep the routes that they were on during the strike?