§ 43. Mr. HARRISasked the Minister of Transport how many separate companies and undertakings have been absorbed by the London General Omnibus Company, or a controlling interest obtained in their shares, since the passing of the London Traffic Act; and whether any difference has been made in the allocation of routes or in the disposal of licences since the companies, now controlled by the London General Omnibus Company, have lost their independence?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAccording to the returns furnished to me under Section 14 of the London Traffic Act, the number of 1037 omnibus undertakings of which the London General Omnibus Company has acquired control since the passing of the Act is 48. Some of the omnibuses owned by these undertakings have been withdrawn from service. There has been no alteration, however, in the operation of the remaining omnibuses so far as concerns routes through streets, or parts of streets, which have been declared to be "restricted" under Section 7 of the London Traffic Act. Other routes are not subject to restrictions.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes not this justify the allegation that I made, that the result of the London Traffic Act would be that there would be practically one big combine of all the omnibuses under the London General Omnibus Company?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think that this is the time for justification.