§ 75. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Minister of Transport whether, in connection with the reorganisation of the traffic problem on the main Uxbridge Road and elsewhere, the convenience of the travelling public will be considered as the first essential?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe proposed limitations of journeys which may be made by omnibuses plying for hire in the Uxbridge Road and elsewhere are being made solely in the public interest. I am fully satisfied that if no such limitations were imposed, essential public passenger transport services would have to be discontinued, with serious results to the travelling public, particularly to the working classes, who are largely dependent on the tramways for getting to and from their places of work.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is considerable apprehension in Greater London with regard to this move, and can he assure me and the House that he will continue to do all he can to see that the people have the same travelling facilities in the future?
§ Colonel ASHLEYCertainly I will give that assurance.
§ Mr. HARRISWould it not be equally reasonable to reduce the number of private cars, which equally with the omnibuses, add to the congestion?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that all this restriction of the number of omnibuses is beginning at the wrong end, and that he ought to restrict the number of passengers—coupon them—that is the way to get out of it?