§ 56. Mr. HARRISasked the Minister of Transport how many omnibuses belonging to the London General Omnibus Company and their associated companies have been allocated routes in the Metropolitan Police Area under the London Traffic Act; and how many omnibuses have been allocated routes under the same Act belonging to private individuals and to companies in which the London General Omnibus Company has no share interest?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThere has not been any allocation of omnibus routes under the London Traffic Act. The routes now 1840 being worked were selected by the companies, or the individual proprietors themselves, subject to the condition that the route or routes selected were approved by the Commissioner of Police or the licensing authority. The Orders and Regulations with regard to "restricted" streets merely stabilised the position, as at certain dates, on the streets affected. The numbers of omnibuses scheduled for operation in the Metropolitan Police District at 1st November, 1926, were as follows: 4,190 belonging to the London General Omnibus Company and associated companies or to undertakings in which that company have a controlling interest, and 409 belonging to independent proprietors.
§ Mr. HARRISDoes not that prove that the combine has now complete control owing to the working of the London Traffic Act—that it has a practical monopoly?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI lo not think that follows. The condition is largely the same as existed before the Act.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it not a fact that the combine has bought out most of the other undertakings?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, Sir. There has been no marked change.
§ 60. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Transport whether the discussions at present taking place upon the co-ordination of London passenger-carrying transport undertakings include any consultation with the Independent Omnibus Owners' Association?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe question whether some form of co-ordination or co-operation between London passenger transport agencies is practicable is under consideration by the London Traffic Advisory Committee, to whom I had referred the matter, and I understand that they propose to consult all interested parties before submitting any proposals to me.
§ Mr. MORRISONIn view of the fact that, as far as one can gather, the conversations between the London County Council and the General Omnibus Company have reached an advanced stage, has not the time come when the right hon. Gentleman's Committee ought to 1841 take some steps to consult with these independent proprietors, who own 400 omnibuses?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is exactly what I say; it is proposed to consult all interested parties.