HC Deb 16 March 1926 vol 193 cc232-3
39 Mr. B. SMITH

asked the Minister of Transport (1) on what Statutory authority he bases the claim of his Department to require local authorities to license privately-owned motor omnibuses against their wishes;

(2) whether he is aware that over the route between Wakefield and Bradford, on which he proposes that licences should be granted to 18 public vehicles plying for hire, during a period when observations were taken by the Bradford City Corporation, an average of only six persons per clay transferred from the private motor-omnibus service which terminates at Drighlington to the Bradford City tramways; and whether, in these circumstances, he will cease to press for the licensing of privately-owned vehicles to operate between Wakefield and Bradford, and over the roads within the Bradford City boundary.

(3) whether, in demanding that the Bradford City Corporation should issue licences for public vehicles plying for hire within the boundaries of the city, he has considered the present congestion, width, and gradients of the roads over which it is proposed that these vehicles should travel; whether he is aware that certain of these thoroughfares are unsuitable for heavy motor vehicles; and whether, in view of these considerations, he will withdraw his demand on the corporation to issue these licences?

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZON

The powers of the Minister of Transport M connection with appeals relating to licences to ply for hire with omnibuses are derived from the provisions of Sub-section 3 of Section 14 of the Roads Act, 1920. Further powers, however, are contained in certain local Acts. In the recent cases at Bradford to which the hon. Member refers, the representatives of the council had every opportunity to bring their views to my notice, and before deciding to make an Order in the matter, I gave careful consideration to all relevant facts which were brought out by both parties to the appeal.

Mr. SMITH

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in correspondence between the Departments on this question they have already stated they are not aware under which Act they carried out those orders?

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZON

After my answer, I hope that they will he aware.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the result of many inquiries held under the Act referred to is causing grave discontent in municipalities, who know best what traffic they ought to have in their districts and how it ought to be run.

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZON

The whole question is very difficult and it is rather prejudiced by the ownership of trams by municipalities. We have a very onerous duty put upon us and we are guided by what we think is best for the community at large.

Major COLFOX

is it not a fact that the present Government was elected to encourage, and not to penalise private enterprise?