§ 29. Mr. LUNN (for Mr. F. HALL)asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the expenditure incurred by local authorities in promoting or opposing Bills dealing with omnibus and charabanc traffic; and whether he will introduce legislation placing the authority for the regulation of road passenger traffic in the hands of the Ministry, so that this expenditure may be avoided?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am aware that certain local authorities incur expenditure in seeking powers to run road passenger services. It is not my intention to promote legislation conferring any general power in this connection upon the Ministry of Transport, but my proposals for the better regulation of public service vehicles generally are contained in the Draft Road Traffic Bill which I recently circulated.
§ Mr. LUNNWill the right hon. Gentleman further consider the question of the great cost of local authorities promoting Parliamentary Bills?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIt is very important to maintain the control of Parliament over these authorities.
§ Sir J. NALLIs it not a fact that municipalities have unnecessarily caused expenditure of this kind because they wish to override the decision of the Minister?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is possible.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not a fact that local authorities are put to tremendous expense which private enterprise has no need to incur?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI do not altogether agree.