§ 78. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Transport how many authorities who run their own tramway service, plus a linking-up omnibus service, have lost money during the year 1925; how many authorities who own their tramways but no omnibus service have lost money; and how many of both sections have made profits during the same year?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo official return of omnibus services run by local authorities is issued, but the hon. Member will find information as to the financial position of tramway undertakings, which, in some cases, include omnibus or trolley vehicle undertakings, in the Annual Tramway Return for 1924–25. Figures for 1925 are not yet available, and the financial year of local authorities is in most cases not complete until the 31st March in England and 15th May in Scotland.
§ 79. Mr. WILLIAMSalso asked the Minister of Transport how many inquiries have been held during the year 1925 where local authorities have refused to grant licences to omnibus companies who desired to run a competitive service over the tramway routes; in how many cases has he upheld the action of local authorities; in how many cases has he granted the appeal of the omnibus companies; and how many cases are working on a compromise?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThere have not been any cases of the exact nature indicated in the first part of the hon. Member's question, but 20 inquiries were held in cases where the proposed omnibus route traversed a part of the tramway route. Of the appeals forming the subject of these inquiries, in eight the local authority were upheld, in one the appeal was allowed by Order, and in the remaining 11 cases an agreement was reached.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these so-called "compromises" are acting adversely to the local tramway undertakings?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, I should not accept that. I think most of them have got a very fair compromise.