§ 27. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Transport whether he has now received communications from the local authorities of North London protesting against the recent increases in omnibus fares: and what action he proposes to take?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have in the course of the past few days received a copy of a resolution passed by the Southgate Urban District Council with regard to a recent increase in omnibus fares, and I am inviting the observations of the omnibus proprietors concerned.
§ Mr. HARRISUnder the London Traffic Act is there not power to veto any increase in fares—to approve or disapprove?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf a Deal authority mikes a submission to me under the Act 1924 that any fare is unreasonably high, I can then go into the matter.
§ Mr. MORRISONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will make public the observations he receives from the London General Omnibus Company.
§ Colonel ASHLEYI should have to see, first, what the observations were. The hon. Member will appreciate that I am acting in a judicial capacity in this respect, and therefore I ant not at liberty to publish things which I otherwise might publish.
§ Mr. B. SMITHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that for something two years reasonable fares have been afforded to the people in North London, and that the action of the company in increasing the fares has thereby reduced the advantages enjoyed by the inhabitants?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs the hon. Member aware that what is a reasonable fare is a matter of opinion?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs not this the natural result of the granting of a monopoly under the London Traffic Act?
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs it not the fact that the Minister has received several complaints about these increased fares, and has frequently invited the observations of the company, but has never taken any further action?
§ Colonel ASHLEYSpeaking without refreshing my memory, I think this is the first official intimation I have received.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs not London getting a taste of what we have experienced in the Highlands?