§ 45. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to accede to the request from the Independent Omnibus Owners' Association asking him to receive a deputation with reference to the offer of Lord Ashfield to purchase the whole of their omnibuses?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand from statements in the Press that the offer referred to by the hon. Member has been refused. If, however, the Association are still desirous of bringing a deputation and will communicate with the Minister of Transport, the Minister will be prepared to receive it and hear the representations which it is desired to make.
§ 58. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the offer of Lord Ashfield to purchase the whole of the independent omnibuses in London; and, in view of the fact that the fares on these omnibuses are in some cases lower than the fares charged by other forms of passenger transport, what steps he proposes to take to protect the public from an increase in fares?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand, however, from the Press that the offer has been declined. On the general question of fares, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to a question by my Hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Enfield (Colonel Applin), a copy of which I am sending him.